Eversheds Sutherland advises on £5.2bn disposal of Barchester Healthcare

Eversheds Sutherland has advised on the real estate, tax, employment and certain key corporate aspects of the £5.2bn disposal of Barchester Healthcare to Welltower.

Barchester is one of the UK’s leading independent care providers, operating over 250 care homes and seven registered hospitals, and employing more than 17,000 staff. 

Contracts were exchanged on 11 September 2025, with completion taking place on 16 October 2025.

The real estate and construction teams were led by Partner Elizabeth Cartwright, supported by Legal Director Tracy Gibson, Head of Real Estate Legal Technology Tom Bennett, and Legal Project Manager Anabel Higson.

Corporate advice was led by Partners Simon Masters and Alistair Cree, with support from Associate Jonathan Edwards. Tax aspects were handled by Partners Ben Jones and Colin Askew, while employment matters were advised on by Partners Mark Hammerton and Audrey Elliott.

Simon Masters, Partner, Eversheds Sutherland, said: 

“It’s been a privilege to support Barchester through its growth journey over the past decade. This transaction reflects the strength of our longstanding relationship and showcases the depth of expertise across our corporate and real estate teams in delivering complex, high-value deals.”