The operator of three major care homes in Aberdeenshire has been bought by a Belgian operator for an undisclosed sum.
Balhousie Care Group was founded by Tony Banks more than 30 years ago.
It now runs 26 homes with about 1,000 residents and 1,400 staff, including a home in Tarland and two in Huntly.
The company has been purchased by AcalisCare, which has operations in Belgium, South America and the Middle East.
The price paid for Balhousie has not been disclosed although Banks, 61, is keeping a minority stake, according to The Times.
Mr Banks said: “It was hugely important to me that any investment partner we worked with shared Balhousie’s values and aspirations, and I believe AcalisCare does.
"This is the start of an exciting new growth and investment phase for the business, for our staff and for residents. It will ensure that the Balhousie brand grows even stronger over the next 30 years.”
Lieven Baten, a partner in AcalisCare and the new chairman of Balhousie, said: “Balhousie Care is a natural fit for us and this deal gives us an important foothold in Scotland. We see huge potential to grow and expand the services under the Balhousie brand.”