Cala was founded in 1875 as the City of Aberdeen Land Association. It has grown to become one of the UK's largest house builders. Between 1999 and 2013 the Bank of Scotland held a majority stake in the company,[3] until Legal & General and Patron Capital each took a 46.5% stake in the company in March 2013.[4] In 2014, it bought rival Banner Homes for £200 million.[5]
Legal & General acquired full control of Cala in March 2018.[6] In its 2022 accounts, Cala reported it sold 3,000 homes and employed 1,300 staff.[7][8] Six years later, in March 2024, L&G was reported to be looking to sell Cala, with Rothschild & Co appointed to handle a sale. In May 2024, Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey were reported to be considering bids for Cala, valued at around £1bn.[9] In September 2024, Cala was sold to its previous owner Patron Capital and investment firm Sixth Street Partners for £1.35bn.[10]
In the year to 31 December 2023, Cala Group sold 2,917 homes, had a turnover of £1.3bn and reported a pre-tax profit of £112m. It employed over 1,300 people across 10 offices.[10]
Kevin Whitaker is the group chief executive. He was previously one of two regional chairs, and managing director of the Cala's East division.[11]
