Independent Living Services (ILS), an Alloa, Clackmannanshire-based provider of home care, has acquired north-east group Shield Care.

Independent Living Services (ILS), an Alloa, Clackmannanshire-based provider of home care, has acquired north-east group Shield Care.

The acquisition, with the support of key investors Isis Equity Partners and Clydesdale Bank, takes ILS's turnover to £13.5m.

ILS provides 23,000 hours of care a week across Scotland.

Shield Care was founded in 1993, and most recently has been part of the Meallmore Group, which operates nursing homes across Scotland. It employs around 90 from its bases in Elgin and Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

ILS said it plans to retain and build on Sheild Care's current staffing.

Kevin Scullion, managing director of ILS, said the group aimed to be the leading independent care provider across Scotland.

"Our arrival in the north- east is further evidence of the progress we have made during the last two years.

"Our strategy is to combine strong organic growth with targeted acquisitions in what has been a highly fragmented market. Given our size we are increasingly able to invest in the quality of our care services."

Adam Holloway, of Isis Equity Partners, said: "We see great potential in the domiciliary care market, and continue to support the growth of ILS. The acquisition of Shield Care gives the firm a broader geographical spread, enabling ILS to offer local authorities best value in the commissioning of high-quality services at a competitive price."

Simon Kerr, at Clydesdale Bank in Glasgow, said: "We are delighted the financial package we have provided has allowed them to acquire Shield Care in addition to providing funding for future growth."