Edgbaston-based skincare specialists acquire Manchester business

Award-winning national skincare specialist sk:n has completed a deal to acquire a Manchester-based business.

Sk:n (Lasercare (Harrogate) Limited acquired the business and assets of Manchester-based Waveriver Limited, a company which operated seven clinics under the brand names Kin Healthcare and Flint + Flint.

Waveriver ran into cashflow issues earlier this year and the directors approached Real Business Rescue - part of Begbies Traynor Group - to seek a purchaser so the business could continue.

After marketing the business for sale Begbies Traynor secured a range of offers and the directors agreed the offer from sk:n was the most suitable.

The award-winning company was founded in Harrogate in 1990 where it pioneered port wine stain birthmark removal in partnership with the NHS. A stand-alone clinic was opened in Birmingham City Hospital in 1993, followed by a private clinic on Harley Street in the same year. From its headquarters in Edgbaston, Birmingham it has become the UK’s leading skin clinic with 58 clinics across the UK. 

Treatments range from dermatology services, including acne and acne scarring, and laser hair removal to anti-wrinkle injectables and tattoo removal.

Dean Watson of Begbies Traynor, who helped to secure the deal, said:

“We are pleased to have worked with sk:n to make this deal work. It is a highly reputable brand in the marketplace and this acquisition makes perfect sense.”

Gavin  Hawthorn, Chief Marketing Officer at sk:n, said: 

“We are always looking for ways to deliver on our business strategy and this acquisition helps us take another step on our journey.”