Downing LLP appoints industry veteran, Nick Burley, to join its new Capital Solutions team

18/10/22
5 min
News

Nick Burley, the former Chief Financial Officer at European healthcare services business Alliance Medical, has joined the new Capital Solutions team at sustainable investment manager Downing LLP.

Nick will join Downing’s Capital Solutions team and partner with former M&G Fund Manager Paul Taylor, who recently joined Downing. Downing’s newly established team will launch a series of new investment activities and funds, managing capital on behalf of institutional investors.  

With over 30 years of operational and transactional experience, Nick’s expertise will be crucial for both investors and portfolio businesses. Nick will lead strategic transactions and work closely with investors to deliver the ambitious growth plans of the Capital Solutions team.

Nick’s career post-qualification has included senior operational and corporate finance roles in GE, Allied Domecq, McCormick and the Vita Group, prior to joining Alliance Medical – spending the last 20 years at FD/CFO level. His experience has included more than 50 M&A transactions, a planned IPO, as well as several successful operational and balance sheet restructuring and turnaround situations.

Downing’s Capital Solutions team will deploy funds from institutional investors into opportunities with high return potential, in sectors such as healthcare services in the private equity space and European real estate, where the team has strong investor and investee networks.

Nick Burley said: “Our new Capital Solutions team is focused on identifying off-market opportunities, which have the potential for delivering enhanced returns to investors and which require operational as well as capital solutions to unlock that potential – I look forward to supporting its expansion and success. It is exciting to bring together a team that has a history of delivery to an entrepreneurial and fast-growing investment manager such as Downing, whose commitment to sustainable investing is underlined by its recent accreditation as a B Corp.”

Paul Taylor, Head of Downing Capital Solutions, Downing LLP, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to the team. Both transactional investment and portfolio management expertise are key to our ability to build a business of significant scale and Nick has decades of experience in both of these areas. As we move forward, we look forward to announcing more new joiners and activities soon.”

Kostas Manolis, Head of Private Market Investments, Downing LLP, said: “Nick’s appointment is another vital building block in the establishment of our new Capital Solutions strategy. His experience will bring invaluable insights and ensure operational excellence from the beginning, as we continue to strengthen our private markets activities.”

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Nick Burley, the former Chief Financial Officer at European healthcare services business Alliance Medical, has joined the new Capital Solutions team at sustainable investment manager Downing LLP.

Nick will join Downing’s Capital Solutions team and partner with former M&G Fund Manager Paul Taylor, who recently joined Downing. Downing’s newly established team will launch a series of new investment activities and funds, managing capital on behalf of institutional investors.  

With over 30 years of operational and transactional experience, Nick’s expertise will be crucial for both investors and portfolio businesses. Nick will lead strategic transactions and work closely with investors to deliver the ambitious growth plans of the Capital Solutions team.

Nick’s career post-qualification has included senior operational and corporate finance roles in GE, Allied Domecq, McCormick and the Vita Group, prior to joining Alliance Medical – spending the last 20 years at FD/CFO level. His experience has included more than 50 M&A transactions, a planned IPO, as well as several successful operational and balance sheet restructuring and turnaround situations.

Downing’s Capital Solutions team will deploy funds from institutional investors into opportunities with high return potential, in sectors such as healthcare services in the private equity space and European real estate, where the team has strong investor and investee networks.

Nick Burley said: “Our new Capital Solutions team is focused on identifying off-market opportunities, which have the potential for delivering enhanced returns to investors and which require operational as well as capital solutions to unlock that potential – I look forward to supporting its expansion and success. It is exciting to bring together a team that has a history of delivery to an entrepreneurial and fast-growing investment manager such as Downing, whose commitment to sustainable investing is underlined by its recent accreditation as a B Corp.”

Paul Taylor, Head of Downing Capital Solutions, Downing LLP, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to the team. Both transactional investment and portfolio management expertise are key to our ability to build a business of significant scale and Nick has decades of experience in both of these areas. As we move forward, we look forward to announcing more new joiners and activities soon.”

Kostas Manolis, Head of Private Market Investments, Downing LLP, said: “Nick’s appointment is another vital building block in the establishment of our new Capital Solutions strategy. His experience will bring invaluable insights and ensure operational excellence from the beginning, as we continue to strengthen our private markets activities.”

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

Nick Burley, the former Chief Financial Officer at European healthcare services business Alliance Medical, has joined the new Capital Solutions team at sustainable investment manager Downing LLP.

Nick will join Downing’s Capital Solutions team and partner with former M&G Fund Manager Paul Taylor, who recently joined Downing. Downing’s newly established team will launch a series of new investment activities and funds, managing capital on behalf of institutional investors.  

With over 30 years of operational and transactional experience, Nick’s expertise will be crucial for both investors and portfolio businesses. Nick will lead strategic transactions and work closely with investors to deliver the ambitious growth plans of the Capital Solutions team.

Nick’s career post-qualification has included senior operational and corporate finance roles in GE, Allied Domecq, McCormick and the Vita Group, prior to joining Alliance Medical – spending the last 20 years at FD/CFO level. His experience has included more than 50 M&A transactions, a planned IPO, as well as several successful operational and balance sheet restructuring and turnaround situations.

Downing’s Capital Solutions team will deploy funds from institutional investors into opportunities with high return potential, in sectors such as healthcare services in the private equity space and European real estate, where the team has strong investor and investee networks.

Nick Burley said: “Our new Capital Solutions team is focused on identifying off-market opportunities, which have the potential for delivering enhanced returns to investors and which require operational as well as capital solutions to unlock that potential – I look forward to supporting its expansion and success. It is exciting to bring together a team that has a history of delivery to an entrepreneurial and fast-growing investment manager such as Downing, whose commitment to sustainable investing is underlined by its recent accreditation as a B Corp.”

Paul Taylor, Head of Downing Capital Solutions, Downing LLP, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to the team. Both transactional investment and portfolio management expertise are key to our ability to build a business of significant scale and Nick has decades of experience in both of these areas. As we move forward, we look forward to announcing more new joiners and activities soon.”

Kostas Manolis, Head of Private Market Investments, Downing LLP, said: “Nick’s appointment is another vital building block in the establishment of our new Capital Solutions strategy. His experience will bring invaluable insights and ensure operational excellence from the beginning, as we continue to strengthen our private markets activities.”

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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.”

Nick Burley, the former Chief Financial Officer at European healthcare services business Alliance Medical, has joined the new Capital Solutions team at sustainable investment manager Downing LLP.

Nick will join Downing’s Capital Solutions team and partner with former M&G Fund Manager Paul Taylor, who recently joined Downing. Downing’s newly established team will launch a series of new investment activities and funds, managing capital on behalf of institutional investors.  

With over 30 years of operational and transactional experience, Nick’s expertise will be crucial for both investors and portfolio businesses. Nick will lead strategic transactions and work closely with investors to deliver the ambitious growth plans of the Capital Solutions team.

Nick’s career post-qualification has included senior operational and corporate finance roles in GE, Allied Domecq, McCormick and the Vita Group, prior to joining Alliance Medical – spending the last 20 years at FD/CFO level. His experience has included more than 50 M&A transactions, a planned IPO, as well as several successful operational and balance sheet restructuring and turnaround situations.

Downing’s Capital Solutions team will deploy funds from institutional investors into opportunities with high return potential, in sectors such as healthcare services in the private equity space and European real estate, where the team has strong investor and investee networks.

Nick Burley said: “Our new Capital Solutions team is focused on identifying off-market opportunities, which have the potential for delivering enhanced returns to investors and which require operational as well as capital solutions to unlock that potential – I look forward to supporting its expansion and success. It is exciting to bring together a team that has a history of delivery to an entrepreneurial and fast-growing investment manager such as Downing, whose commitment to sustainable investing is underlined by its recent accreditation as a B Corp.”

Paul Taylor, Head of Downing Capital Solutions, Downing LLP, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to the team. Both transactional investment and portfolio management expertise are key to our ability to build a business of significant scale and Nick has decades of experience in both of these areas. As we move forward, we look forward to announcing more new joiners and activities soon.”

Kostas Manolis, Head of Private Market Investments, Downing LLP, said: “Nick’s appointment is another vital building block in the establishment of our new Capital Solutions strategy. His experience will bring invaluable insights and ensure operational excellence from the beginning, as we continue to strengthen our private markets activities.”

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