SPARTANBURG, SC, June 15, 2022 – Agape Care Group (Agape Care), a portfolio company of Ridgemont Equity Partners and a leading hospice and palliative care provider in the Southeast, today announced the acquisition of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills based in Forest City, North Carolina. With the addition of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills to its portfolio, Agape Care now offers hospice and palliative care in three states. Regionally, the company provides care in all 46 counties of South Carolina and more than two thirds of the counties in Georgia. Agape Care has a total of 1,300 employees caring for more than 2,600 patients across its footprint.
Hospice of the Carolina Foothills has offered hospice and palliative care to the North Carolina region for almost 40 years, starting in 1982 as the non-profit, Hospice of Rutherford County. The SECU hospice house opened in 2004 and currently remains a staple of care in Rutherford County with 10 inpatient and eight residential beds. Serving eight counties, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills is known for its longstanding community service and support.
“We welcome the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills team to the Agape Care family. There is a natural fit, culturally and geographically, between our two companies,” said Troy Yarborough, Chief Executive Officer of Agape Care Group. “Hospice of the Carolina Foothills is an established name in the region, and we admire their long-standing commitment to providing the highest level of compassion and care for members of their community.”
“Agape Care’s values and purpose for patients and employees are in alignment with the future we have envisioned for our company and team,” said Rita Burch, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. “The rich history and mission of our company in this market will continue with Agape Care.” Pat Keeter, Board President, added, “As we entrust our patients, family members and employees to Agape Care Group through this acquisition, I am confident they will be true to the legacy and mission of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and serve our communities well.”
Hospice of the Carolina Foothills will continue to operate under its current name and brand. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.