THE corporate finance team at a Derby accountants has advised on a multi-million pound healthcare business deal.

Andrew Durbin and David Crump of Friar Gate firm Smith Cooper advised Nottinghamshire-based Sterling Homecare during its purchase by City and County Healthcare.

It is City and County Healthcare's first acquisition since it was bought by Sovereign Capital in September last year and provided with growth funds of some £25m.

Based in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, Sterling provides around 7,000 hours of care per week to the elderly in their own homes under contract to local authorities, primary care trusts and a number of private clients.

The Sterling management team, led by Stuart Carlton and Debbie Woolley, will continue to work in the business alongside City and County Healthcare.