Newcastle-based independent chartered accountancy and business advisory firm UNW has advised the shareholders of Northumbria Dental Care on the sale of the business to DeNovo Dental Partners.
The transaction marks an important milestone for the practice group, which operates from three sites in Amble, Rothbury and Alnwick and has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality dental care across Northumberland.
Founded by Duncan Thomas in 1994 as a single-surgery practice, the business has grown over the past three decades into a successful group of dental practices serving communities across the region. Today, the group employs 14 associates, six hygienists and therapists, and 37 members of staff.
DeNovo Dental Partners is a high-growth dental group that partners with practice owners to support continued growth while enabling them to remain focused on delivering outstanding patient care. Duncan will continue to be involved in the business following completion of the transaction, supporting its future development as part of the wider DeNovo group.
UNW’s Deal Advisory team supported the shareholders throughout the transaction, working closely with management and the wider advisory team from the early stages of the process through to completion. The firm has acted for Duncan and the business for a number of years, providing ongoing accountancy, advisory and sector-specific support. UNW’s Tax team also provided integrated tax advice throughout the transaction to support the shareholders.
Legal advice to the shareholders was provided by David McEwan, Corporate Lawyer at Schofield Sweeney.
Duncan Thomas, founder of Northumbria Dental Care, said: “After more than three decades of building the business, reaching this milestone is a proud moment. Finding the right partner for the next stage of the business was incredibly important, and I’m pleased to have found that in DeNovo Dental Partners.
“Selling a business can be a complex and demanding process, but I felt very well supported throughout by the team at UNW. As long-standing advisers to the business, they already had a strong understanding of our operations and objectives, which proved invaluable. Nick Broadhead, Ed Booth and the wider UNW team provided clear advice and guidance at every stage, and their experience, persistence and attention to detail helped us achieve a successful outcome.”
Nick Broadhead, Corporate Finance Partner at UNW, said: “Duncan and the team have built an excellent business, creating a highly regarded dental group with a strong reputation across Northumberland. We are delighted to have supported the shareholders on this transaction and to help secure the next chapter for the practices as part of the DeNovo group.
“This transaction reflects the quality of the business Duncan has built and further strengthens UNW’s track record of advising dental practice owners on growth, succession and exit planning. We wish Duncan, the team and DeNovo Dental Partners every success for the future.”
The transaction represents UNW’s second completed dental sector deal of 2026, following the sale of Rochdale-based Bamford Dental Practice to Colosseum Dental in April, and further strengthens the firm’s track record of supporting dental practice owners across the UK.
