Downing expands investment portfolio and presence in the specialist care market with the acquisition of Zero Three Care

18/9/25
7 min
Private Equity
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The acquisition of Zero Three Care aligns with Downing’s strategy of backing organisations and management teams that deliver high-quality healthcare services in needs-based markets with clear opportunities for growth. Based in Essex, the company currently operates 16 sites, with around 100 beds, offering high-quality care and support across both residential care and supported living facilities for adults with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs.

Following completion, the focus will be on supporting the existing management team, led by CEO Sharon Crystal, to open new specialist care services in surrounding geographies, building on its strong foundations and commitment to high-quality.

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Leading investment manager Downing is delighted to announce the acquisition of Zero Three Care, a leading provider of adult specialist care services, from Montreux Capital Management.

The acquisition of Zero Three Care aligns with Downing’s strategy of backing organisations and management teams that deliver high-quality healthcare services in needs-based markets with clear opportunities for growth. Based in Essex, the company currently operates 16 sites, with around 100 beds, offering high-quality care and support across both residential care and supported living facilities for adults with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs.

Following completion, the focus will be on supporting the existing management team, led by CEO Sharon Crystal, to open new specialist care services in surrounding geographies, building on its strong foundations and commitment to high-quality.

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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Leading investment manager Downing is delighted to announce the acquisition of Zero Three Care, a leading provider of adult specialist care services, from Montreux Capital Management.

The acquisition of Zero Three Care aligns with Downing’s strategy of backing organisations and management teams that deliver high-quality healthcare services in needs-based markets with clear opportunities for growth. Based in Essex, the company currently operates 16 sites, with around 100 beds, offering high-quality care and support across both residential care and supported living facilities for adults with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs.

Following completion, the focus will be on supporting the existing management team, led by CEO Sharon Crystal, to open new specialist care services in surrounding geographies, building on its strong foundations and commitment to high-quality.

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, Downing, said: "Zero Three Care has built a strong reputation for delivering excellent outcomes in specialist care, and we are excited to partner with management to support their growth plans. There is significant demand for adult specialist care services across the UK with an undersupply of supported living and residential care units highlighting the need for growing businesses committed to high quality care, such as Zero Three Care."
Sharon Chrystal, CEO at Zero Three Care, added: "We are proud of what the business has achieved so far, and we see huge potential to grow further. Partnering with Downing gives us the support and capital to expand while maintaining our focus on high-quality care. Downing's deep knowledge of the healthcare sector and expertise in helping businesses scale makes them the ideal partner for our next chapter. We are excited by the prospect of being able to reach more people with complex needs, while preserving the values and standards that define Zero Three Care."

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.”

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The Downing deal team, led by Torsten Mack, included Luke Stevenson, Elisabeth Harden and George Manolis.

Downing was advised by Shoosmiths (legal counsel), Cooper Parry (financial & tax diligence), Mansfield (commercial diligence), Fulcrum (operational diligence), JLL (valuation support), Pinders (property surveys) and Vista Insurance (insurance diligence)], with Shawbrook providing debt financing.

About Downing Private Equity

Downing's award-winning Private Equity team 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.

The acquisition of Zero Three Care aligns with Downing’s strategy of backing organisations and management teams that deliver high-quality healthcare services in needs-based markets with clear opportunities for growth. Based in Essex, the company currently operates 16 sites, with around 100 beds, offering high-quality care and support across both residential care and supported living facilities for adults with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs.

Following completion, the focus will be on supporting the existing management team, led by CEO Sharon Crystal, to open new specialist care services in surrounding geographies, building on its strong foundations and commitment to high-quality.

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