Sheffield-based Westfield Health has acquired health cash plan provider Bolton & District Hospital Saturday Council (BDHSC).

BDHSC, trading as UK Healthcare, is a not-for-profit health provider with a nationwide corporate and consumer customer base and an annual turnover of £4m.

Established in 1877, BDHSC has a nationwide corporate and consumer customer base, and currently has a strong presence in the North West in particular.

The acquisition will enable Westfield Health to grow its existing health cash plan business, helping the company accelerate its expansion plans throughout the UK.

It follows Westfield Health’s relocation and expansion into new headquarters in Sheffield city centre in 2016.

UK Healthcare chief executive Stephen Pugh added: "We've had several years of significant growth, and we're now looking to provide an even broader range of products and services to our customers.

"We're therefore delighted to join forces with Westfield Health which will enhance our ability to support the health and wellbeing of our customers throughout the UK."

Jill Davies, Westfield Health chief executive, said: "Westfield Health is entering a very exciting era in our health and wellbeing journey and we are delighted to acquire a successful and longstanding company with UK Healthcare.

"Like us, UK Healthcare was born out of the need to support local hospitals and has a long history of helping people with their everyday healthcare needs.

"Both companies share similar values, supporting the NHS and medically related charities with much needed funding wherever we can."

Laurence Gavin in the Sheffield office of Irwin Mitchell advised Westfield Health on the deal.