Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has gained awards recognition for its role in a £5.5m care home acquisition in Bournemouth.

It comes after the firm advised longstanding client LuxuryCare Group on its purchase of the 75-bed Kingsman House out of receivership.

The funding package was provided by the London and South West Division of RBS.

Now Ellis Jones – with more than 170 staff in six offices across the South and London – has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Solent Deals Awards.

It is nominated in a six-strong field for Mid-Range Deal of the Year, with the winner announced in a ceremony at the Ageas Bowl’s Hilton Hotel on March 23.

Neil Cook, Partner and Head of Business Services, led the Ellis Jones team that advised LuxuryCare on the Kingsman House transaction, which included Matthew Clake, a Partner in the firm’s Commercial Property Department.

Neil said: “This was a complex deal set against a tight deadline in which time was of the essence as the seller was in receivership.

“All negotiations for the purchase and a refinancing package along with applications for numerous stamp duty reliefs were agreed expeditiously and in timely fashion to allow the transaction to successfully complete.

“It was a privilege to once again advise LuxuryCare Group in an acquisition which will allow the business to continue to realise its growth ambitions and further cement its reputation as one of the leading providers of premier care homes in the area.”

Neil added: “Recognition at the Solent Deal Awards is the icing on the cake and very welcome recognition of the impressive work by all parties involved. We’re looking forward to awards night on March 23.”

LuxuryCare – founded by Kevin Gunputh – offers nursing and residential care for elderly people and adults, whom may have additional support needs due to problems associated with old-age.

Kingsman House, in Branksome Wood Road, brings its portfolio of properties in Bournemouth and Poole to six, with a total of 400 beds.

Ellis Jones is also supporting the Solent Deals Awards with sponsorship of two categories: Corporate Finance Advisor of the Year and Non-Bank Lender of the Year.

Neil and Wayne Spolander, a Partner in the firm’s Business Services Team, are both judges in the Corporate Finance Advisor of the Year and Non-Bank Lender of the Year categories.

The Solent Deals Awards are billed as the ‘major south coast corporate finance event of the year’ with honours in 14 categories.

Ellis Jones has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.

Visit https://www.dealsawards.co.uk/ and https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/ for information.

PICTURE: FINALISTS: Ellis Jones Solicitors has been nominated for Mid-Range Deal of the Year at the Solent Deals Awards. Pictured from left are Neil Cook, Partner and Head of Business Services, Partner Wayne Spolander and Managing Partner Nigel Smith