For Purpose Investment Partners (“FPIP”) is delighted to announce that it has signed agreements to acquire Victorian-based residential aged care provider Luson Aged Care and its three residential aged care facilities and development land (together, “Luson”) from Luson’s existing shareholders.
The acquisition will mark FPIP’s first investment into the aged care sector, which has been a key area of focus for FPIP since its inception in 2018. FPIP is focused on pursuing an aged care strategy that focuses on expanding accessible but affordable offerings in independent living through to residential aged care. Its mission is to develop a model of aged care that achieves excellent health and wellbeing outcomes for residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds, attracts top staff and enables residents to age in place with dignity and choice.
The business and assets acquired will be held by a recently incorporated not-for-profit entity FP Aged Care Australia Ltd (“FPACA”). Funds for the acquisition will come from FPIP’s Social Impact Fund I, FPACA board and management and senior lender NAB. Luson will be the third investment made from the Social Impact Fund I, following on from specialist disability accommodation provider BlueCHP Housing and NDIS meal-delivery business Able Foods.
Luson is a Victorian-based aged care provider, and owns and operates three residential aged care facilities, two in the Geelong region (Eden Park and The Vue) and one in Clyde North, south-east of Melbourne (Bloom). It is also the owner of a development site in Rowville with development approval for another residential aged care site. All three of the existing facilities have been either built or significantly refurbished in the past five years, and all contain single-bed ensuite rooms.
Discussions between FPIP and Luson’s existing shareholders commenced approximately six months, ago and came about as a result of the desire of the existing shareholders to find a new, values-aligned shareholder, with access to capital that would see the business through its next phase of growth, which most importantly will involve the development of the site at Rowville.
Nick Yannopoulos will remain in his role as CEO of the business, which will now also be overseen by a deeply experienced board including Chair Toby Hall (former CEO of St Vincent’s Health Australia and Mission Australia), Louise Greene (leading aged care consultant and former Quality Manager at Southern Cross Care), Matthew Filocamo (former General Manager, Residential Care at RSL LifeCare and Director of Operations at Calvary Health Care) and FPIP Executive Director Chris Yoo (Director of home care provider General Homecare).
There will be no disruption to residents or employees of the business during the transition of ownership, and the business will continue to operate under the Luson brand for the foreseeable future.
The transaction is contingent on receiving the necessary approvals from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
For Purpose Investment Partners Founder and Executive Director Michael Traill said “We are very excited to reach an agreement to acquire Luson, following what has been a multi-year process of looking at various aged care assets to find the right entry point for us into the sector. The aged care sector has had a really tough time over the past few years and we believe that investors like FPIP have an important role to play as stewards of these crucial social assets going forward, ensuring residents get a great experience at an affordable price while also making sure that the business is run in a manner that delivers appropriate risk-adjusted returns for investors and attracts further capital to a sector which badly needs it. The business is in great hands lead by Nick and supported by Toby as Chair, and we will look to support them to grow the business over the long term to create a leading for-purpose operator in the sector, in the mould of what Goodstart is for the early learning sector”.
Incoming FP Aged Care Australia Chair Toby Hall commented “We really like the Luson business and management team, and I’m excited to partner with Nick and FPIP to help build a leading for-purpose provider in the sector. It became clear during the early stages of our due diligence that while relatively small, Luson has the systems and clinical governance processes of a large aged care provider. The three existing facilities are well designed and with all single-bed ensuite rooms, are relevant for today’s aged care consumer”.
Luson CEO Nick Yannopoulos added “We are delighted to have found a new investor that shares the same focus on providing excellent health care outcomes for our residents, as well as providing growth capital to the business. FPIP and the new board members’ depth of experience and commitment to the aged care sector aligns with our vision and values. Our passionate and dedicated staff are looking forward to continuing the journey with FPIP, to provide the Luson experience to more residents who deserve the high level of care that we are intent on delivering every day.”
FPIP were advised by Gilbert + Tobin and PwC, while Luson and its shareholders were advised by Thomson Geer, Deloitte and Amicum.
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About Luson
Luson was started in 2015 as a family owned and operated aged care provider committed to creating a boutique environment that is inspiring and engaging, supporting residents’ independence with professional care and love. Luson’s philosophy is to put people first. By creating a culture that prioritises the needs of residents, their families and Luson’s employees, they can provide the highest standards of care for the greatest quality of life.
About For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP)
For Purpose Investment Partners is a not-for-profit social impact investment manager, created to pursue an important mission; bringing private sector capital and capabilities into sizeable businesses and projects to create significant social impact.
Media contacts
Victoria Adams (Managing Director, For Purpose Investment Partners)
victoria.adams@fpinvest.com.au
0414 699 598
Toby Hall (Incoming Chair, FP Aged Care Australia)
0432 130 004
Nick Yannopoulos (CEO, Luson Aged Care)
0477 886 688
Catalyst Education Pty Ltd and For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP) are proud to announce the acquisition of ARC Training, a NSW-based Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with a strong track record in aged care, disability care, and business training. This acquisition strengthens Catalyst’s ability to deliver high-quality, learner-focused education and ensure a well-trained workforce for Australia’s most vital care sectors.
"At Catalyst Education, we believe that education has the power to change lives. By welcoming ARC Training into our group, we are expanding our ability to support more learners, empower more communities, and provide greater opportunities for those pursuing careers in the care sector," said David Barnett, Chair of Catalyst Education. "This acquisition enhances our capacity to deliver high-quality, accessible training that equips people with the skills they need to make a real difference."
With this expansion, Catalyst Education is better positioned to support the increasing demand for skilled workers in the care industry. “I am grateful that Catalyst Education will be the new owner and steward [of ARC Training]. Our organisations have very similar vision and values, and I can see the group growing stronger together into the future”, said Cameron Ryan, previous CEO of ARC Training.
By integrating ARC Training’s expertise and reach with Catalyst’s existing RTOs - Selmar Institute of Education and Practical Outcomes, more learners will have access to nationally recognised, industry-aligned education that leads to meaningful employment.
"This acquisition is not just about growth - it’s about impact. The care sector relies on passionate, well-trained professionals, and we are committed to equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in these critical roles," David added.
Executive Director of FPIP, Michael Traill said “Skills education is vital to the social sectors where we seek to make a difference through impact investment, including aged care and early childhood education and care. We are building impact at scale with a platform of aligned businesses and the combined strength of ARC Training and Catalyst Education means we will reach more learners and employers in the vital markets of NSW, SA and the ACT while generating long-term value for investors.”
This acquisition represents a shared commitment to ensuring that the care and education sectors continue to thrive and evolve. As part of Catalyst Education, ARC Training will continue to combine purpose with action, working to drive workforce development, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact. We are excited for the future and look forward to what lies ahead as we work together to create a stronger, more connected Australia.
For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP) are delighted to announce the appointment of Robert Blackwell as Executive Chair of FP Ability, an investment platform comprising of specialised meal delivery businesses Able Foods and Tender Loving Cuisine (TLC).
Mr Blackwell brings to the businesses an extensive background of successful leadership with world-class corporations, including in the fast moving consumer goods sector. More recently, he has been particularly focused on roles working in partnership with executive teams to transform and grow organisations to their potential.
“We have been especially impressed with Rob’s alignment with the For Purpose Investment Partners mission of social impact by applying business disciplines for social purpose” said Michael Traill, Executive Director of FPIP. “Rob will be working closely with CEO Spencer Ratliff and the Able Foods and TLC management teams through a pivotal time of growth and transformation. We welcome Rob to the FPIP portfolio and we are looking forward to working together as Able Foods and TLC grow their mission of providing high quality, nutritious food across the aged care and disability sectors.”
Mr Traill continued “We also wish to thank and recognise the inaugural Chair Paul Robertson AO for his significant contribution to the establishment and strategic growth of the FP Ability platform, and his invaluable experience in steering the board. Paul has been part of the succession planning to welcome Rob, ensuring future success for FP Ability – a mark of his enduring leadership and character.”
The FP Ability board is pleased to announce that Spencer Ratliff has been appointed as CEO of Tender Loving Cuisine (TLC), while maintaining his current role as CEO of Able Foods. This strategic decision underscores our commitment to strengthening both businesses while preserving their unique identities in the meal delivery sector.
"Having witnessed Spencer's exceptional leadership at Able Foods, we are confident that his appointment will drive innovation and growth across both brands," said Paul Robertson, Chair of FP Ability. "His track record of building client-focused businesses and navigating change makes him ideally suited for this expanded role."
Spencer Ratliff shared his vision for the future, "Both organisations share a unified mission: to deliver exceptional services and outcomes for their clients, driven by their expertise and deep specialisation in the market.
"I’m thrilled to lead TLC into its next chapter of growth, building on its 30-year legacy of outstanding service in the disability and aged care sectors. My priority is to collaborate closely with the team to explore opportunities that harness the strengths of both businesses while preserving their distinct brand identities."
Spencer added, "This common foundation will enable growth that is firmly focused on our clients.”
Spencer will be working with the board, stakeholders and suppliers to identify opportunities for mutual growth and learning between both organisations.
Paul concluded, "This appointment represents a significant step forward in our growth strategy. We're confident that under Spencer's purpose-driven leadership, both TLC and Able Foods will continue to excel in delivering exceptional meals and customer service to our valued clients."
Keypoints
- Both TLC and Able Foods will maintain their distinct brands and current operations
- A comprehensive strategic plan will be developed through collaboration with staff, senior management, customers, board members, and suppliers
- Knowledge and expertise will be shared across both businesses to enhance operations and service delivery.
ENDS
About FP Ability
An investment platform by For Purpose Investment Partners, FP Ability is committed to removing obstacles for people who require support, with a focus on people living with disabilities, their families, and older Australians. Nutrition is vital to people’s good health and wellbeing, and for customers of Able Foods and Tender Loving Cuisine (TLC), their services support choice and independence. Our aim is to improve the quality of services, for the elderly and Australians living with a disability, and address food insecurity in these sectors.
Able Foods
Able Foods mission is to enable healthier, happier and more independent lives for each and every ability. Its dedicated team understands what it means to create meals that cater for each client’s unique needs. Through years of experience, they assist clients to best manage both the NDIS and Aged Care (HCP) processes.
Tender Loving Cuisine
TLC offers customers high quality frozen ready-to-eat meals that are home delivered. With a focus on supporting older people maintain independence at home and supporting health outcomes, many clients access government funded support.
For Purpose Investment Partners acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion at For Purpose Investment Partners are critical in our efforts to create significant social impact. Diversity in the team allows us to better represent the diversity of thought and experiences of the communities that we are aiming to serve, promotes a healthy and thriving working environment, and delivers innovative and sustainable outcomes for our communities, our people, our investors and our partners.
