Saffery advises DisasterCare Group on its sale to Aviva

We’re pleased to have advised Chris Netherton and the DisasterCare Group on the successful sale of the business to Aviva.

DisasterCare is a specialist provider that connects insurers and customers with trusted local disaster recovery and restoration experts, delivering critical services including drying, cleaning, strip out and reinstatement following events such as fire and flooding. The Group also owns The Flood School, the UK’s leading training provider for flood and water damage restoration.

About the transaction

The transaction sees Disaster Care Limited and The Flood School Limited (via CJN Holdings Limited) join the Aviva Group as wholly owned subsidiaries. It marks a new phase in a longstanding partnership between the organisations and positions the business for further growth as part of one of the UK’s leading insurers.

As long‑standing advisers to the DisasterCare Group, we were delighted to support Chris and his team throughout this transaction. The Saffery team, led by Hemal Pandit (Transaction Services Director), Tony Dillow (Corporate Tax Director) and Sue Wasson (Personal Tax Director), provided comprehensive sell‑side advisory services across the sales process. The team worked closely with Partner Jamie Lane, who leads the Group’s wider relationship with Saffery and delivers ongoing compliance services.

We also worked alongside the Group’s CFO, Kelly Futcher, and the legal advisers at Moore Barlow. The strength of the business itself, together with robust management information, financial controls and processes, and a collaborative approach across all parties, helped ensure a smooth and timely transaction.

Hemal Pandit, Transaction Services Director at Saffery, commented:

“It is a pleasure to see Chris and his team’s outstanding efforts in building a high‑quality business culminate in its successful sale to Aviva. We have enjoyed working closely with Chris, Kelly and the wider management team to help prepare the business for this transaction and to support it through to completion. We look forward to seeing DisasterCare continue to thrive as it enters its next phase of growth in partnership with Aviva.”

Chris Netherton, CEO of the DisasterCare Group, added:

“For operational reasons, a quick transaction was required, which meant all our advisors had to work to extremely challenging deadlines, completing the deal within two months from letter of intent to completion. Not only did Saffery deliver to a high-standard, they also had the vision to advise on a financial structure which would benefit both parties, ensuring all concerned were satisfied with the outcome. I highly recommend Saffery, not only for their technical knowledge which is unquestionable, but the strategic vision and experience to aid completion.” 

Saffery provides transaction support to clients across a wide range of sectors, whether they’re buying, selling, raising finance or preparing for exit. More information on previous transactions we have advised on is available on our website.