Highlights
· Established by For Purpose Investment Partners (FPIP), For Purpose Aged Care Australia (FPACA) is a not-for-profit aged care platform focused on achieving excellent health and wellbeing outcomes for residents and attracting and retaining quality staff.
· The acquisition will bring together aged care providers Luson and Signature Care under FPACA, led by Group CEO Matthew Filocamo.
· Backed by $85m commitment from institutional investors, FPACA will become a top-15 national aged care provider with this acquisition.
24 April 2024 - For Purpose Aged Care Australia (FPACA), owner of a leading not-for-profit aged care provider Luson, proudly announces the strategic acquisition of Signature Care, a provider of residential aged care services across Australia. This acquisition will see FPACA become a top-15 aged care provider in Australia with an initial 1,394 residential aged care places and increasing to over 2,500 places within two years across 18 sites in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. Alongside this significant portfolio growth, FPACA is delighted to announce the appointment of Matthew Filocamo as Group CEO, commencing a new leadership era.
The FPACA Chair, Toby Hall, expressed enthusiastic support for both the acquisition and Matthew Filocamo's appointment, stating, "This is a transformative moment for FPACA and the broader aged care community in Australia. The acquisition of Signature Care is a strategic step that aligns with our mission to deliver exceptional care services to Australians from all backgrounds. We have demonstrated new and innovative ways of growing the sector to have a broader social impact that is customer centric. Matt and I have worked closely together with For Purpose Investment Partners for almost two years. Matt's experience and leadership in aged care make him the ideal leader to guide FPACA through this exciting next chapter."
With a mission to develop a model of aged care that achieves excellent health and wellbeing outcomes for residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds, FPACA's approach attracts top staff and enables residents to age in place with dignity and choice. This pivotal move, scheduled for completion on 1 June 2024, signifies a major advancement in FPACA's goal to improve aged care services nationally. FPACA currently own and operate Luson, a Victorian based aged care provider with three operational homes with 305 places and a further development site that would yield 136 places.
The acquisition of Signature Care merges the strengths and capabilities of both organisations, promising to enhance the care and services provided to older Australians and provide great benefits and conditions to staff. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence and innovation in aged care.
FPACA was established by social impact investment manager FPIP. FPIP Founder and Executive Director Michael Traill AM said “We are very excited to reach an agreement to acquire Signature Care. We believe 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 led by Matt and supported by Toby as Chair, and we will look to support them to continue to grow the business."
Matthew Filocamo said "I am honoured and excited to lead FPACA into this new era. The partnership with Signature Care underscores our shared dedication to enhancing aged care in Australia. I look forward to driving our collective vision forward, fostering innovation, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve."
Signature Care Director, Amal Witnish, said “It has been a privilege over the past 3 years to develop the business to this point and make Signature Care what it is today, a leader in the provision of high-quality care and accommodation, with embedded IT, enabling person-centred care. FPACA and Luson, as not-for-profits, will provide additional incentives to attract and retain staff through salary packaging and other employment benefits and will ensure residents receive quality care by retaining and further advancing Signature Care’s innovation and investment in the sector.”
There will be no disruption to residents or employees of Signature Care’s and Luson’s businesses during the transition of ownership, and the businesses will continue to operate under their individual brands for the foreseeable future overseen by the Group CEO and Board.
The transaction is contingent on receiving the necessary approvals from the Department of Health and Aged Care. The parties were introduced by Amicum Pty Limited, FPIP were advised by Gilbert +Tobin and PwC, and Signature Care were advised by K&L Gates, Madgwicks Lawyers and Deloitte.
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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. Established in 2018 by pioneering impact investor Michael Traill AM, FPIP have grown to have $185m of funds under management.
Media contact
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Enquiries@fpinvest.com.au| 0405 306 414
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.
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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.
