DLA Piper has advised the Company and Shareholders of Options Group, a national provider of care and education to children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, on its merger with care solutions provider, Outcomes First Group.

The merger, which is supported by  leading healthcare investor, Sovereign Capital, will create one of the UK's largest providers of specialist care and education. The merged companies will build on already strong foundations and seek to expand the services of the combined group at a national level. These include care, education and clinical support for looked after children, including a pathway to fostering.

The combined group, which will be known as Outcomes First Group, will look after nearly 600 children and young adults across services ranging from special schools, residential care, colleges and specialist fostering under the leadership of CEO Graham Baker and Chairman Roger Colvin.

Graham Baker, CEO of Options Group said: "The team at DLA Piper were extremely impressive. We look for lawyers who can provide pragmatic and to the point advice on all matters, but even more so on a deal such as the merger with Outcomes First Group. The team are commercially and legally astute, providing first class advice, designed to assist us in getting the deal done in the most efficient way. DLA Piper always deliver."

Tim Lake, Birmingham-based Corporate partner at DLA Piper, said: "The success of this merger reflects the shared values of the two companies and will offer a platform for further strategic growth in the healthcare sector , whilst maintaining high levels of education and care for its service users."

The DLA Piper team was led by Tim Lake alongside Corporate partner Jim Lavery and Corporate associates Simon Wright and Liam McLoughlin.