The James Caterers Group is in advanced negotiations to acquire a private hospital in Malta, according to a report by Who’sWho.mt, a move that would mark a significant milestone in the group’s expansion into the healthcare sector.

While discussions are still ongoing, sources familiar with the matter indicate that a deal could be concluded within the coming weeks. If completed, the acquisition would represent the group’s most substantial step yet beyond its traditional food and hospitality roots.

Founded and chaired by James Barbara, the James Caterers Group is best known as the company behind James Caterers, one of Malta’s leading wedding and event catering businesses. Over the years, the group has steadily diversified, developing branded food products including the gluten-free range GlutX and the low-calorie ready-meal line Waistnot.

Healthcare has increasingly emerged as a core pillar of the group’s growth strategy. Earlier this year, the group acquired full ownership of Malta Healthcare Caterers Ltd from the db Group, buying out its former partner’s stake in a deal estimated at €34.5 million. The company provides catering services to hospitals, care homes and other healthcare institutions across Malta.

The group’s involvement in healthcare extends beyond catering. In 2017, it entered the care home management sector after winning a government tender, alongside db Group, to construct, manage and provide catering services for a 504-bed extension at the state-owned St Vincent de Paul residence.

Malta Healthcare Caterers Ltd also owns Healthmark, a company that trains and supplies nurses and carers, further embedding the group within the healthcare ecosystem.

An acquisition of a private hospital would significantly broaden the group’s operational footprint, positioning it as an integrated healthcare services player spanning catering, staffing, care home management and potentially hospital operations.