Amanat Holdings has successfully completed the acquisition of Cornerstone Healthcare Holdings Limited, a leading British provider of complex specialist healthcare services. This acquisition was executed through Cambridge Healthcare Group, a fully-owned subsidiary of Amanat, and was made in collaboration with Ignite Growth LLP, a private equity investment firm focusing on the British market.
A Significant Step in Amanat’s Growth Strategy
This acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in Amanat’s growth strategy, first announced in July 2026. The firm aims to invest approximately AED 1.5 billion in healthcare and education sectors while seeking a return on equity of at least 10% to ensure sustainable shareholder returns. With this acquisition, Cambridge Healthcare Group enhances its capabilities in specialized healthcare and establishes its operational presence in the UK.
Dr. Ali bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Amanat, expressed optimism about the company’s strategy, stating, “Amanat’s strategy focuses on expanding our existing operations and diversifying into complementary areas that deliver attractive returns, ensuring sustainable value for our shareholders. With our completed and committed investments reaching around AED 900 million of our AED 1.5 billion target, we are making substantial progress in implementing this strategy and moving towards our objective of achieving at least 10% return on equity.”
Expanding Capabilities and Market Reach
The acquisition of Cornerstone exemplifies the implementation of Amanat’s growth strategy, leveraging Cambridge Healthcare Group’s established position in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This strategic move not only adds expertise in specialized healthcare but also expands their footprint into the UK market. Al Dhaheri noted, “We see this acquisition as a promising opportunity to broaden Cambridge Healthcare Group’s service offerings, increase its business volume, and support its next growth phase while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital deployment and delivering long-term value to our shareholders.”
Investment Details and Future Prospects
Following the acquisition of Cornerstone, Amanat’s total completed and committed investments will amount to approximately AED 900 million, representing 60% of its AED 1.5 billion target. This investment portfolio includes a variety of opportunities in healthcare and education sectors, such as minority stakes in Cambridge Healthcare Group, the ongoing expansion of the Cambridge Hospital in Jeddah with an additional 68 beds to enhance its capabilities in rehabilitation and surgical services, and a recently announced project to develop a specialized integrated care hospital in Riyadh, accommodating 155 beds.
Cornerstone’s Specialised Services
Cornerstone operates four specialist healthcare facilities in Southern England, with a total capacity of 283 beds. The company provides care for individuals with complex dementia conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, severe psychological disorders, acquired brain injuries, and cases requiring neurological rehabilitation. Cornerstone is known for its established medical expertise, experienced professional staff, and collaborative relationships with integrated care boards under the UK’s National Health Service and local regulatory authorities.
A Vision for Future Growth
John Ireland, CEO of Amanat Holdings, commented on the acquisition’s significance, highlighting how it translates Amanat’s growth strategy into tangible business and operational opportunities. He remarked, “Cornerstone is a leader in specialist healthcare, with a highly experienced team, complementary medical capabilities, and a clear growth strategy. By combining Cornerstone’s expertise with Cambridge Healthcare Group’s established operations and future growth initiatives, we are focused on building a larger and more diverse business within the specialist healthcare sector. We will continue to seek selective investment opportunities with a disciplined capital allocation approach to deliver returns that align with our investment criteria and create sustainable value for our shareholders.”