Almost 18 months after BaptistCare NSW/ACT and Baptistcare WA merged, the Boards and executives of BaptistCare (NSW, ACT, WA), Baptcare (VIC, SA, TAS), and Baptist Care SA today announced they will merge to form a billion-dollar aged care and retirement living powerhouse.
Together, the organisations will have over 12,000 staff and offer retirement living and aged care, community housing and family and community services to over 38,000 customers across New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia (see above and below).
Subject to approvals, the merger is expected to complete in March 2025, followed by a period of integration.
The new organisation’s Board will be led by Tim Farren, currently Chair of the Baptcare Board, as Chair, and Robert Dunn, currently Chair of the BaptistCare Board, as the Vice Chair.
“We know that the sectors we operate in are under increasing pressure with greater demand for care and services and often fewer resources,” said Mr Farren on the decision to merge.
“In coming together, we can unlock operational efficiencies, synergies and innovations that will help to navigate these challenges and deliver real value and benefits to our workforce and our customers.”
Charles Moore, currently the CEO of BaptistCare, has been announced as CEO-elect of the merged organisation.
Under Charles’ leadership, BaptistCare has been on an expansion path, merging with its WA counterpart in 2023 and buying Presbyterian Aged Care’s home care business earlier this year.
“Strategically, this merger will create a stronger organisation by combining our resources, expertise, and market reach,” he stated.
“This will further enhance our services to our customers, drive innovation, amplify our mission and provide a greater breadth of career opportunities for our workforce.”
Sue Raw, CEO at Baptist Care SA, will remain in her role leading South Australia and guiding its transition into the new organisation over the coming months.
Geraldine Lannon, CEO at Baptcare, will take annual leave through to March before she leaves Baptcare. During this time, Leanne Beveridge will be Acting CEO at Baptcare.
The new organisation, which will be named following a consultation process, will continue to provide all of its services as normal during the transition period.
The merger will leave just two other stand-alone state-based Baptist Care organisations: Carinity (formerly Queensland Baptist Care) and Baptist Care Northern Territory.
The advisers on the merger were Social Ventures Australia, HWL Ebsworth, Strategy&, and Herd MSL.