The short answer
Who owns Circle, and how big is it?
Circle Health Group has been owned by PureHealth since January 2024, when Centene completed a sale agreed in August 2023 at an enterprise value of approximately USD 1.2 billion including debt assumed. Circle's website lists 54 hospitals, over 2,000 beds, over 6,500 consultants and c10,000 employees, and PureHealth reported Circle revenue of AED 6,458 million for 2025.
Ownership and business model
Circle Health Group is owned by PureHealth. Centene invested in Circle Health in 2019 and acquired the remaining equity in July 2021; on 28 August 2023 it agreed to sell the business to PureHealth at an enterprise value of approximately USD 1.2 billion, inclusive of debt assumed, and completed the sale on 12 January 2024. PureHealth’s H1 2026 earnings presentation describes Circle as the UK’s largest private healthcare group and lists using Circle and Hellenic Healthcare Group as platforms for bolt-on acquisitions as part of its international strategy.
Circle says it was founded in 2004 and grew through new hospitals, the acquisitions of Nations Healthcare and BMI Healthcare, and joint ventures, with Circle Health Group formed in 2020. Centene said in 2023 that Circle treated privately insured, self-pay and NHS patients. Its website lists more than 60 specialties, diagnostic imaging including mobile MRI and CT units, neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, corporate healthcare and private GP services, and clinics in China.
PureHealth reported Circle revenue of AED 6,006 million for 2024, AED 6,458 million for 2025 and AED 3,379 million for the first half of 2026, when revenue rose 6.3 per cent, which PureHealth linked to a shift toward higher-acuity, more complex inpatient cases. Paul Manning became Chief Executive Officer in July 2025.
Hospitals and businesses
Hospitals 1
- Circle Health Group hospitals
Diagnostics 1
- Circle diagnostic imaging, including mobile MRI and CT units
Other 1
- Neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation services
Clinics 2
- Private GP and corporate healthcare services
- Clinics in China
As listed by the organisation. See sources.
Key people
- Paul ManningChief Executive Officer
- Adam BusbyChief Clinical and Quality Officer
- Jawad KhanChief Financial and Strategy Officer
- Peter JamesChief Medical Officer
- Owen JamesChief Operating Officer
- Mehdi ErfanGeneral Counsel
As listed on Leadership team, Circle Health Group.
Stock listing
- Status
- Private
We do not republish share prices.
Where it operates
- England
- Hospitals grouped on its website under the North, London and South East, and Central and South West regions
- Scotland
- Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow and Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen
- China
- Circle says it runs clinics in China
As the organisation reports it. See sources.
Key dates
- 2004Circle was founded, according to its website.
- 2019Centene invested in Circle Health.
- 2020Circle Health Group was formed, according to its leadership page.
- 2021Centene acquired the remaining equity interests in Circle Health in July 2021.
- 2023On 28 August 2023 Centene agreed to sell Circle Health to PureHealth at an enterprise value of approximately USD 1.2 billion, inclusive of debt assumed.
- 2024Centene completed the sale of Circle Health Group to PureHealth on 12 January 2024.
- 2025Paul Manning became Chief Executive Officer in July 2025.
Questions readers ask
Who owns Circle Health Group?
PureHealth. Centene completed the sale of Circle Health Group to PureHealth on 12 January 2024, after agreeing the deal on 28 August 2023 at an enterprise value of approximately USD 1.2 billion, inclusive of debt assumed.
How many hospitals does Circle Health Group have?
Circle's website lists 54 hospitals (viewed October 2026). PureHealth's H1 2026 earnings presentation gives 50+ hospitals.
Who is the chief executive of Circle Health Group?
Paul Manning, who became Chief Executive Officer in July 2025, according to Circle's leadership page.
Sources
Figures are taken from the documents listed below and carry the date they refer to. Profile last checked 17 October 2026.
- About Circle Health Group (viewed 17 October 2026)
- Leadership team, Circle Health Group (viewed 17 October 2026)
- Circle Health Group homepage (viewed 17 October 2026)
- Centene Corporation completes divestiture of Circle Health Group (12 January 2024)
- Centene Corporation signs definitive agreement to divest Circle Health Group (28 August 2023)
- PureHealth H1 2026 Earnings Presentation (August 2026)
The Register. Profiles are compiled by the desk from the organisation’s own pages and filings. A listing does not buy coverage.