Private equity owns 11 of England’s 20 biggest children’s care providers, research finds

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-03 • Permanent link

Shocking revelations have emerged from a recent investigation into the ownership of England's largest children's care providers. Private equity companies now own or partly own 11 of the 20 biggest players in the sector, sparking widespread concern over the motivations of these investors. The investigation, which was prompted by growing calls for an end to 'obscene' profit-making in the care sector, has found that some of the largest providers are now owned by firms such as Permira, KKR, and Blackstone. These firms have been accused of prioritizing profits over the welfare of the children in their care.

This disturbing trend has significant implications for the millions of families who rely on these care providers. Investors are being left questioning the true motives of these private equity firms, and the potential consequences for the children who are in their care. The fact that these firms are willing to take on such high levels of risk in pursuit of a profit has raised serious concerns about the long-term viability of the care sector as a whole. As a result, many are calling for greater regulation and oversight to ensure that the needs of these vulnerable children are being met.

The care sector is not a new frontier for private equity firms, however. Since the 1990s, there has been a significant increase in the number of private equity firms investing in the sector. This trend has been driven in part by the growing demand for private equity investment, as well as the increasing recognition of the sector's potential for growth. However, experts are now warning that the sector is becoming increasingly unsustainable, with many providers struggling to balance the demands of private investors with the needs of the children in their care.

As the care sector continues to grapple with the implications of this trend, investors and policymakers will be watching closely for signs of change. In the coming months, there are expected to be several key developments that will shed more light on the motivations and actions of private equity firms in the sector. These include a number of high-profile investigations into the activities of individual firms, as well as a series of regulatory hearings aimed at ensuring that the needs of children are being prioritized.