York medispa face etc... lifted by husband and wife takeover

face etc…, the York-based medispa, has been purchased by husband and wife team, Nick and Orla Rhodes.

Nick Rhodes, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, had been acting as medical director at the family run business on Coppergate since 2008 and was approached by owner Sharon Moore about purchasing the business.

Nick said: “My experiences with face etc… over the last eight years meant I had no hesitation in saying yes the moment Sharon suggested we made the purchase. It really is a fantastic business with a loyal customer base and, vitally from our perspective, a huge amount of growth potential.”

Nick and Orla were advised by the York office of law firm Lupton Fawcett with funding to assist the acquisition provided by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Amongst the areas identified for development are moves into several new treatments, including Lipofreezing Coolsculpting and AesthetiCare Skinlux Light Therapy.

Investment has already been made in two new high-tech machines namely an Ultherapy non-surgical face and neck lift device and a fat busting, skin tightening Exilis machine for face and body.

Nick and Orla are also seeking Care Quality Commission approval for an operating room at the clinic.

This would allow Nick to carry out a wide range of minor cosmetic surgeries, including eyelid rejuvenation, micro-fat grafting and minimally invasive facial-lifting procedures. While the clinic’s dermatologist would be able to utilise the new facility to remove lumps, bumps and skin tags for both diagnostic and aesthetic purposes.

Nick added: “These are just the first steps in what we hope will be a highly successful new era for face etc… Orla and I have taken over a clinic that was named in the top three medispas in the North of England in the 2015 Aesthetic Awards, and our aim is simple – we want to be the best. Not just in the North, but in the entire UK.”

Martin Frost, director of Lupton Fawcett who headed up the team which advised on the deal, commented: “There are very few deals that can be called straightforward, but with face etc… this was very much the case. Sharon Moore and her family were keen to sell and Nick and Orla were delighted to have been presented with the opportunity to buy.

“However, even when two parties have agreed the sale between themselves, it is essential that the contract is properly drawn up to protect both parties in the future. We were therefore delighted to have been appointed to advise on the deal and help conclude the sale.

“It is wonderful news for York that such an ambitious couple have taken over the business. It is clear that they want to build on the tremendous success the practice has achieved to date and, through continued investment in the latest state-of-the-art equipment, become the best medispa in the UK.”

The Royal Bank of Scotland structured a funding package to assist Nick and Orla with the purchase.

Paul Craske, senior relationship manager, said: “face etc…is a very reputable business that has already developed a strong customer base in the region.

“The aesthetics industry is a rapidly growing sector and the business is set to continue to expand rapidly under Nick and Orla’s guidance as they have the skills and expertise to develop it further.”

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