A transformative merger: BaptistCare, Baptcare and Baptist Care (SA) coming together

A vision for amplified impact

BaptistCare, Baptcare and Baptist Care SA share a passion and long history of providing care to older Australians and people living with disadvantage. In recent years, regulatory reforms, workforce challenges and changing customer expectations have put continuing pressure on their financial sustainability and missional impact. The organisations believe that by coming together, they will create a stronger organisation by combining resources, expertise, and market reach.

This isn’t size for the sake of size. This exciting merger will further enhance services to our customers, drive innovation, amplify our mission and our voice of positive influence, as well as providing  greater career opportunities for our workforce.” Charles Moore • CEO of BaptistCare and CEO-elect of the merged organisation

The role we played in the merger

In early 2024, the organisations engaged SVA to support the merger exploration and guide the Boards towards a merger decision in November. Alongside the three organisations we:

• Supported the Boards to define the strategic rationale and agree the terms of the merger: Why is bringing the organisations together a good idea? What are the principles and non-negotiables for the merger (e.g., no adverse impacts on customers; Baptist faith tradition to remain central to the mission)
• Worked with executives and team leads across 13 workstreams, 5 service areas and 10 support functions to develop the merger business case, including a view on the:
  • Future strategy
  • Customer and community benefits
  • Financial impact (also supported by Strategy&)
  • Future operating model considerations
  • Legal options and considerations (supported by legal advisors)
  • Key risks and mitigants
  • The pathway and key activities to realise the merger (such as change management, communications, stakeholder engagement and key milestones)
• Provided strategic advice to the merger Steering Committee and the three Boards to consider business case outcomes and agree the way forward.

Working with SVA early in this process has been part of the success of this merger journey. With complex activities to work through across three organisations, the clarity and directional support SVA has given our Board, Executives and team members has set foundations of early success.” Charles Moore • CEO of BaptistCare and CEO-elect of the merged organisation.

On 14 November 2024, BaptistCare, Baptcare and Baptist Care SA announced their intention to merge. Subject to approvals, the merger is expected to complete in March 2025.

We are excited about the opportunity this merger presents for positive impact not only for customers, but also advancing services and care across the aged care, community housing and community services sectors in Australia.