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A group which runs nine care homes across north Wales has gone into administration.

Administrator PKF is now running four companies trading as the Southern Care Group, which has homes in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.

The company employs 270 people and cares for up to 300 elderly people.

PKF, which is working with care home management firm Healthcare Management Solutions, said it expected "substantial interest" in the business.

Some of the homes provide extra levels of care, including looking after mentally infirm residents.

Joint administrator Jon Newell said the business, founded by Dylan Southern, had been "struggling to pay its liabilities" and overheads had been "inconsistent with the income stream".

He said a lot of care homes had been experiencing financial problems, due to a combination of factors.

But added that a number of inquiries had been made from potential buyers.

The administrator said it had assured staff, residents and relatives that there was "absolutely no cause for alarm" and are working with social services officials to ensure the homes operate normally.

In a statement, Manchester-based PKF said: "Once the financial position is stabilised, the administrators intend to offer the businesses for sale.

"The homes have enjoyed a high occupancy level and substantial interest is expected."

PKF said Southern has one other care home in Suffolk, which is run as a separate business and is not in administration.