Downing establishes Fortava Healthcare Ltd, a new dementia care provider behind industry veterans Johann van Zyl and Jamie Stuart

5/6/25
5 min
Private Equity
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Downing launches Fortava Healthcare Ltd, a new dementia care company based in Peterborough. The company is led by CEO Johann van Zyl, co-founder of Cornerstone Healthcare and a recognised specialist in complex care, alongside CFO Jamie Stuart, a healthcare finance expert and former Deputy Head of Healthcare at Virgin Money.

It has acquired two purpose-built, 50-bed care homes—The Maltings and Thorpe Wood—previously operated by Peterborough Care Ltd. These homes will serve as the foundation for Fortava’s ambitious mission: to become an innovative provider of dementia care with a model centred on cognitive stimulation therapy.‍

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Specialist care leader Johann van Zyl and healthcare finance expert Jamie Stuart launch a new Downing-backed platform with the strategic acquisition of two purpose-built care homes.

Downing launches Fortava Healthcare Ltd, a new dementia care company based in Peterborough. The company is led by CEO Johann van Zyl, co-founder of Cornerstone Healthcare and a recognised specialist in complex care, alongside CFO Jamie Stuart, a healthcare finance expert and former Deputy Head of Healthcare at Virgin Money.

It has acquired two purpose-built, 50-bed care homes—The Maltings and Thorpe Wood—previously operated by Peterborough Care Ltd. These homes will serve as the foundation for Fortava’s ambitious mission: to become an innovative provider of dementia care with a model centred on cognitive stimulation therapy.‍

We are delighted to announce that Mark Gross, Partner and Head of Development Capital, has been named Equity Investor of the year at the HealthInvestor Power List 2024 Awards.

Following Mark’s achievement last year when he won the “Leading Investor” award at HealthInvestor’s Power50, this year’s win further highlights his continued success and expertise in investing across the healthcare sector. 

The judges praised Mark for finding success both in value and volume this year, delivering good returns and growth. They were impressed by how Mark has continued to strengthen a strong track record with further growth in the team and new funds securing further backing. We extend our thanks to Mark and the Downing Development Capital team for their continued dedication and support in expanding our healthcare investment activities with a focus on quality, performance and reputation. 

Congratulations Mark!

Development Capital  

Downing Development Capital is an award-winning investor focused on investment opportunities into asset-backed operating businesses with downside protection. Typical sectors they invest in include healthcare, specialist education, hospitality, leisure and IT infrastructure.

Learn more about our Development Capital team

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Specialist care leader Johann van Zyl and healthcare finance expert Jamie Stuart launch a new Downing-backed platform with the strategic acquisition of two purpose-built care homes.

Downing launches Fortava Healthcare Ltd, a new dementia care company based in Peterborough. The company is led by CEO Johann van Zyl, co-founder of Cornerstone Healthcare and a recognised specialist in complex care, alongside CFO Jamie Stuart, a healthcare finance expert and former Deputy Head of Healthcare at Virgin Money.

It has acquired two purpose-built, 50-bed care homes—The Maltings and Thorpe Wood—previously operated by Peterborough Care Ltd. These homes will serve as the foundation for Fortava’s ambitious mission: to become an innovative provider of dementia care with a model centred on cognitive stimulation therapy.‍

Downing establishes Fortava Healthcare Ltd, a new dementia care provider behind industry veterans Johann van Zyl and Jamie Stuart
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Torsten Mack, Investment Director at Downing, said:

"We are proud to support this exceptional management team, whose strong track record positions them well to build a new business in dementia care. This needs-based sector is underpinned by a lack of quality supply and we are investing in Fortava Healthcare to set and deliver high standards, and to help make a difference."

Johann van Zyl, CEO at Fortava, added:

"I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie, as we share the same values. We plan to grow Fortava into a leading provider of dementia care over the next five to seven years. But growth isn’t our primary focus—our goal is to deliver outstanding care and foster a joyful, supportive environment for both residents and staff. We’re delighted to be partnering with Downing who also share our values and we look forward to this journey with them."

Jamie Stuart, CFO at Fortava, commented:

“For me, it's about being more than just another care home provider. While dementia care in the UK is generally of a good standard, we want to set ourselves apart with a fresh approach. That’s why, after over 25 years in banking, I chose to partner with Johann and Downing on this venture.”

Torsten Mack, Investment Director at Downing, said:

"We are proud to support this exceptional management team, whose strong track record positions them well to build a new business in dementia care. This needs-based sector is underpinned by a lack of quality supply and we are investing in Fortava Healthcare to set and deliver high standards, and to help make a difference."

Johann van Zyl, CEO at Fortava, added:

"I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie, as we share the same values. We plan to grow Fortava into a leading provider of dementia care over the next five to seven years. But growth isn’t our primary focus—our goal is to deliver outstanding care and foster a joyful, supportive environment for both residents and staff. We’re delighted to be partnering with Downing who also share our values and we look forward to this journey with them."

Jamie Stuart, CFO at Fortava, commented:

“For me, it's about being more than just another care home provider. While dementia care in the UK is generally of a good standard, we want to set ourselves apart with a fresh approach. That’s why, after over 25 years in banking, I chose to partner with Johann and Downing on this venture.”

‍

Downing was advised by Hill Dickinson (Legal), Hazlewoods (Financial and Tax), Connell Consulting (Commercial), Fulcrum (Operational), JLL (Valuation Services) and Vista (Insurance). Management was advised by Marriott Harrison.

Private Equity at Downing

Downing partners with exceptional management teams to help realise their growth ambitions and maximise the potential of their business by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support, and access to its networks.

Typically, Downing looks for initial investments of between £5 million and £50 million and focuses on sectors including healthcare, education, housing, and other specialist sectors.

Downing integrates analysis of sustainability factors into its investment decision-making and supports companies to achieve positive outcomes in corporate governance, natural capital and societal factors.

Find out more information about the Downing Private Equity team.

Downing launches Fortava Healthcare Ltd, a new dementia care company based in Peterborough. The company is led by CEO Johann van Zyl, co-founder of Cornerstone Healthcare and a recognised specialist in complex care, alongside CFO Jamie Stuart, a healthcare finance expert and former Deputy Head of Healthcare at Virgin Money.

It has acquired two purpose-built, 50-bed care homes—The Maltings and Thorpe Wood—previously operated by Peterborough Care Ltd. These homes will serve as the foundation for Fortava’s ambitious mission: to become an innovative provider of dementia care with a model centred on cognitive stimulation therapy.‍

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