Altrincham-based healthcare real estate investment trust Assura announced on Tuesday that its non-executive chair Ed Smith has informed the company that he is resigning from with immediate effect.

Last week, shareholders of Assura voted to accept a roughly £1.8 billion cash and shares takeover offer from UK-listed rival Primary Health Properties (PHP), defeating an all-cash offer from private equity firms KKR and Stonepeak Partners.

“Ed Smith joined the Assura Board in 2017 and was appointed Chair in 2018,” said Assura.

“During his time as chair he has provided critical oversight of Assura’s strategy and governance, building on his extensive health service, public sector and business experience. Through his strong leadership of the board, Assura has been successful in delivering for its shareholders and its wider stakeholder group, including the National Health Service.

“The board of directors of Assura notes the offer for Assura by Primary Health Properties PLC (PHP), which was declared wholly unconditional on 12 August 2025, and which currently remains open for acceptance until further notice.

“If PHP acquires Assura shares carrying 75 per cent. or more of the voting rights of Assura, PHP intends to procure the delisting and cancellation of trading of Assura’s shares from the London Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

“In this context, the board of directors of Assura has appointed the Senior Non-Executive Director, Jonathan Davies, as Chair.”

Assura CEO Jonathan Murphy said: “We sincerely thank Ed for his huge contribution to the success of Assura over the past seven years. His guidance and support to me and the wider team has been invaluable. I know that I can speak for everyone in Assura in wishing him all the best for the future.”

Davies said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ed for his fantastic leadership and stewardship of the business during his term as Chair.

“Ed has played a vital role in driving Assura’s performance and developing its long-term strategy, whilst never losing focus on its strong social purpose and the need to support the NHS.

“Both the Board and the wider business have been very fortunate to benefit from his deep knowledge and experience of the health sector.

“It has been a great privilege to work alongside Ed during all of his term as Chair and I now look forward to leading the Board during the CMA process.”