Downing expands Development Capital team with new appointment

13/9/24
5 min
Investment news
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Investment manager Downing is expanding its Development Capital team with the appointment of Luke Stevenson as Associate Director.

Luke joins from leading pan-European healthcare private equity investor, G Square, where he focused his time on sourcing new deals and executing transactions alongside ongoing portfolio management roles to support a variety of UK and global healthcare businesses.

Prior to G Square, Luke worked in the M&A advisory team at Jefferies International and in investment banking at HSBC.

Mark Gross, Partner & Head of Development Capital, Downing, said: “We are excited to welcome Luke as we continue to expand our team and investment activities. We feel Luke’s investment experience, sector focus and approach to collaborative working are well matched with Downing’s investment strategy and style.”

Luke Stevenson added: “Downing’s Development Capital team is highly-regarded, having built an attractive portfolio of investments and a strong track record of returns. I look forward to joining the business as it continues to grow and to working alongside colleagues, prospective management teams and portfolio companies to deliver for our investors.”

Downing’s award-winning Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise the growth ambitions and maximise the potential of the businesses they invest in by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support and access to its professional networks.

Downing Development Capital focuses on sectors including healthcare, education and housing amongst a small number of other specialist sectors. They have the capability to manage investments across the capital structure including equity and credit, with deep knowledge of both operating businesses and real estate.

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

Please click here for more information about the Downing Development Capital team.

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Investment manager Downing is expanding its Development Capital team with the appointment of Luke Stevenson as Associate Director.

Luke joins from leading pan-European healthcare private equity investor, G Square, where he focused his time on sourcing new deals and executing transactions alongside ongoing portfolio management roles to support a variety of UK and global healthcare businesses.

Prior to G Square, Luke worked in the M&A advisory team at Jefferies International and in investment banking at HSBC.

Mark Gross, Partner & Head of Development Capital, Downing, said: “We are excited to welcome Luke as we continue to expand our team and investment activities. We feel Luke’s investment experience, sector focus and approach to collaborative working are well matched with Downing’s investment strategy and style.”

Luke Stevenson added: “Downing’s Development Capital team is highly-regarded, having built an attractive portfolio of investments and a strong track record of returns. I look forward to joining the business as it continues to grow and to working alongside colleagues, prospective management teams and portfolio companies to deliver for our investors.”

Downing’s award-winning Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise the growth ambitions and maximise the potential of the businesses they invest in by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support and access to its professional networks.

Downing Development Capital focuses on sectors including healthcare, education and housing amongst a small number of other specialist sectors. They have the capability to manage investments across the capital structure including equity and credit, with deep knowledge of both operating businesses and real estate.

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

Please click here for more information about the Downing Development Capital team.

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

Investment manager Downing is expanding its Development Capital team with the appointment of Luke Stevenson as Associate Director.

Luke joins from leading pan-European healthcare private equity investor, G Square, where he focused his time on sourcing new deals and executing transactions alongside ongoing portfolio management roles to support a variety of UK and global healthcare businesses.

Prior to G Square, Luke worked in the M&A advisory team at Jefferies International and in investment banking at HSBC.

Mark Gross, Partner & Head of Development Capital, Downing, said: “We are excited to welcome Luke as we continue to expand our team and investment activities. We feel Luke’s investment experience, sector focus and approach to collaborative working are well matched with Downing’s investment strategy and style.”

Luke Stevenson added: “Downing’s Development Capital team is highly-regarded, having built an attractive portfolio of investments and a strong track record of returns. I look forward to joining the business as it continues to grow and to working alongside colleagues, prospective management teams and portfolio companies to deliver for our investors.”

Downing’s award-winning Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise the growth ambitions and maximise the potential of the businesses they invest in by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support and access to its professional networks.

Downing Development Capital focuses on sectors including healthcare, education and housing amongst a small number of other specialist sectors. They have the capability to manage investments across the capital structure including equity and credit, with deep knowledge of both operating businesses and real estate.

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

Please click here for more information about the Downing Development Capital team.

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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.”

Investment manager Downing is expanding its Development Capital team with the appointment of Luke Stevenson as Associate Director.

Luke joins from leading pan-European healthcare private equity investor, G Square, where he focused his time on sourcing new deals and executing transactions alongside ongoing portfolio management roles to support a variety of UK and global healthcare businesses.

Prior to G Square, Luke worked in the M&A advisory team at Jefferies International and in investment banking at HSBC.

Mark Gross, Partner & Head of Development Capital, Downing, said: “We are excited to welcome Luke as we continue to expand our team and investment activities. We feel Luke’s investment experience, sector focus and approach to collaborative working are well matched with Downing’s investment strategy and style.”

Luke Stevenson added: “Downing’s Development Capital team is highly-regarded, having built an attractive portfolio of investments and a strong track record of returns. I look forward to joining the business as it continues to grow and to working alongside colleagues, prospective management teams and portfolio companies to deliver for our investors.”

Downing’s award-winning Development Capital team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise the growth ambitions and maximise the potential of the businesses they invest in by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support and access to its professional networks.

Downing Development Capital focuses on sectors including healthcare, education and housing amongst a small number of other specialist sectors. They have the capability to manage investments across the capital structure including equity and credit, with deep knowledge of both operating businesses and real estate.

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

Please click here for more information about the Downing Development Capital team.

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Downing LLP does not provide advice or make personal recommendations and investors are strongly urged to seek independent advice before investing. Investments offered on this website carry a higher risk than many other types of investment and prospective investors should be aware that capital is at risk and the value of their investment may go down as well as up. Any investment should only be made on the basis of the relevant product literature and your attention is drawn to the risk, fees and taxation factors contained therein. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances of each investor and may be subject to change in the future. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Downing LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Reference Number 545025). Registered in England No. OC341575. Registered Office: Downing, 10 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6AF.

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