REGIONAL law firm Muckle worked on the recent sale of County Durham care home business Stonelea Healthcare to property investment group PSPI.

Both Muckle and KPMG's Newcastle offices worked on the deal on behalf of care home owner John Harris.

Mr Harris founded Stonelea Healthcare in 1988 and has since expanded the business to provide accommodation for 177 residents in three care homes, in Easington and Seaham.

Robert Phillips, of Muckle, said: "We have been involved in a number of transactions now in the care home sector. Previous experience has enabled us to focus on key issues for sellers and we were able to apply this in our work with John.

"As always, it is a delight working with clients who are organised and who on the sale side can help to streamline the sale. Working with John, our team were able to get access to both him and the information when required.

"John's approach and our great working relationship with the corporate finance team at KPMG meant that this was a truly successful transaction for John, us and his other advisers."

PSPI has engaged European Healthcare to manage the care home operations.

Mr Harris said: "I am very happy to see our care home operations transfer to European Healthcare, which is high quality operators of care homes and who will continue to deliver the excellent standards of care which Stonelea's reputation is built on.

"I am also delighted with KPMG and Muckle for the professional way in which they assisted me with the disposal."