An ambulance services provider with bases across the South West has said it has merged with another firm in a “multi-million pound” commercial deal.
E-zec Medical Transport Services, which has five sites across the region from Gloucestershire to Cornwall, has reached an agreement with Leeds-based ERS Medical to create what the firms describe as the UK’s largest provider of specialist transport services to the NHS and local authorities.
Together, the businesses will employ more than 2,500 employees across 55 sites nationwide. The firm's combined revenue last year was in excess of £100m.
The new organisation - which will operate under the E-zec name - will serve more than 50 commissioning bodies, providing non-emergency patient transport, mental health and specialist transport, medical courier and GP out of hours services.
Following the deal Andrew Pooley, ERS Medical’s majority shareholder and chief executive, will step away from the business to pursue other interests. Jeroen van Os will remain with the firm as its new group chief commercial officer, working alongside group chief executive Craig Smith.
Mr Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome ERS to our family. The health and social care sectors are undergoing rapid change and our partnership will truly help us to better support those in our communities who need us the most. We have much in common with a shared ethos and culture of care.
“This is an obvious partnership that strengthens our offering to our employees, customers and patients, while also giving us a platform for further growth. We have much to learn from each other and are excited about the next phase of our growth.”
ERS Medical was advised by law firm GA Solicitors’ commercial property team in Plymouth.
David Stone, who heads up the team for GA, said: “It has been a pleasure acting for ERS Medical. I have advised them since 2017, supporting the company as it built up its UK property portfolio and expanded its services, all whilst operating in some of the most challenging times for businesses providing critical health services.
“This merger is a significant deal for the client and, with so much synergy between ERS and E-zec, their combined experience is expected to be beneficial to clients, patients, and the communities they serve.”
GA Solicitors is a multi-million-pound law firm employing 88 members of staff across its two offices (Plymouth and Bath).
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