Apricusa care group files for bankruptcy for two residences in Flanders
The Apricusa care group, which was already known to be in financial difficulties, has filed for bankruptcy for two residences in Flanders: Moutershof in Meise and Ter Lokeren in Lokeren. These are mainly convalescent homes for people who need to recover from medical surgery, undergo rehabilitation or who no longer have an informal carer.
A total of 172 people currently stay at the two affected residences. They also employ 124 people. According to Apricusa, “the specific situation and heavy financial burdens made it impossible to find a buyer”. The management has therefore decided to close the books and, if bankruptcy is declared, wants to “cooperate as closely as possible with the receivers to limit the impact on residents and staff”.
The Flemish care and health agency is monitoring the situation closely and will first and foremost ensure that continuity of care is guaranteed, so that residents are not left out in the cold. “Once a receiver has been appointed, we will contact them,” spokesperson Joris Moonens said on Monday. Local authorities will also be involved in the consultations.
Apricusa is also transferring the Lovenbos residence in Lievegem and Battenbroek in Walem to Hestia-C. According to De Tijd, this holding company from Aalst is owned by Lieven Baten, who previously purchased three of Apricusa's sites: in Ghent, Bruges and Durbuy.
Apricusa says that a takeover of three of the group's residential care centres in Wallonia (in Tubize, Mons and Bernissart) is being prepared through a silent bankruptcy procedure. The court will rule on this on Tuesday. Another residence (in Attert) will remain in the hands of Apricusa, but will receive a capital increase.
With these plans, “Apricusa is ensuring continuity for approximately 695 residents and 583 employees,” stated the care group in a press release.
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © PHOTO Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert / dpa