The global investment firm has revealed its new branding – and a high-powered executive and board team – on the completion of its acquisition of Stockland Retirement Living’s 58 retirement villages across Australia.
EQT has appointed two experienced heavyweights to lead the new retirement living brand, which means “vivid” or “full of life” in Swedish.
Suzanne was most recently Managing Director of Bupa Villages and Aged Care, Australia, where she oversaw a team of more than 10,000 employees across 72 aged care homes. Prior to this, she led Australian Unity’s retirement villages and aged care businesses as Executive General Manager of its Residential Communities.
“I am greatly looking forward to taking the helm of Levande, which will revitalise living options for senior Australians through the creation of vibrant, modern neighbourhoods where residents can enjoy their lifestyle,” she said in a statement.
Suzanne will be joined by respected businessman David Gonski AC as Chair of Levande’s new Board.
Previously the Chair of the ANZ Banking Group, Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd, Sydney Airport Corporation Ltd and ASX Ltd, he is currently non-executive chair of Barrenjoey Capital Partners Group as well as the Chancellor of UNSW, President of the Art Gallery of NSW Trust, and a Director of the Lowy Institute for International Policy.
The finalisation of the deal will see EQT take on Stockland Retirement Living’s more than 10,000 residents and over 300 staff – and the group has already indicated that it plans to grow the portfolio.
“We are excited to partner with the new Board and leadership team to invest in growing Levande’s portfolio of high-quality villages and expanding the services available to current and future residents,” said Ken Wong, EQT’s Head of Asia Pacific, Infrastructure.
“Our investment in Levande is consistent with our purpose-led investment philosophy, and our experience investing in similar businesses makes EQT the ideal partner for the next phase of Levande’s journey.”
It is certainly worth checking out the new website – and watching the new video on the re-brand – here.
It’s a slick message that emphasises active living, simple contract options and having care on demand – an indication of EQT’s commitment to providing a continuum of care while appealing to the independent Baby Boomer generation.
Interestingly, its tagline is “a new definition of lifestyle living” – not retirement living – a point picked up by Suzanne in the release.
“The concept of ‘retirement living’ is changing, as many residents aren’t retired – so we think of it as ‘lifestyle living’. At Levande, residents can choose a home and know that it will support their lifestyle and be their base in the years to come as they pursue their interests,” she said.
Watch this space then.
