The family behind Birmingham home care company Claimar is in line for a #3 million pay day when the firm seeks a listing on AIM (Alternative Investment Market) in the new year.

Claimar, which employs 850 people, was originally set up in an attic room at founders Jim and Birdie Ceaser's home in Selly Oak, Birmingham.

The firm, which carries out more than 35,000 home visits to the elderly and infirm every week, could be valued at up to #20 million when it is floated in January.

Mr and Mrs Ceaser, their daughter Claire and her husband Mark Hales, who is also chief executive, are set to share in a #3.5 million payout for their holdings. Mr Hales said: "Both Jim and Birdie worked in public and private social care before deciding to set up the company in 1994. They converted their attic into an office and borrowed #1,000 to buy a PC.

"They would go around putting leaflets through doors to attract private clients, while Birdie would often go out delivering the service to clients, and then come back and run the company."

Mr Hales said around #7.5 million would be raised from the floatation, with #4 million earmarked for acquisitions.

He said: "We all live quite modestly at the moment, and have had to take lots of risks. Birdie and Jim may buy a new house, but the money is going to pay off some of the loans taken out.

"Maybe there will be boats and mansions in three or four years time as the business continues its success."

Its next-door neighbours in Edgbaston, Arden Partners, is acting as advisor and broker on the float, of which #4 million be through the issue of new shares

The business has grown strongly both organically and by acquisition, with annual turnover increasing six fold and profits seven fold since

2001. For the year ended September 30, 2005, the company reported turnover of #8.2 million and earnings before tax and interest of #760,000.

It has made ten acquisitions in the past five years, most recently the acquisitions of Abbeydale Homecare, and the homecare division of Ribble Valley Care, both based in Lancashire.

Mr Hales said: "Demand for home care services is continuing to grow rapidly whilst the home care market is undergoing significant consolidation.

"We believe that the flotation will enable us to take advantage of a number of opportunities for profitable growth whilst helping to attract high calibre staff and maintaining our commitment to providing the best quality of care in the home."

Mr Hales said consolidation will continue to occur as a result of the growing preference of local authorities to outsource care to a smaller number of larger providers.

He said: "The UK domiciliary care market has experienced strong growth during the past five years.

"However, the independent domiciliary care sector remains a very fragmented market, with over 5,000 mainly small providers who find it difficult to bid for, win and fulfil larger contracts and to provide a quality service because of financial and manpower constraints. "

Mr Hales said a key element of the selection process by local authorities was the ability of the provider to grow capacity in line with demand rather than being geared to price.

"This is one of Claimar Care's key strengths," he said.

"Claimar's objective is to become a leading national domiciliary care provider.

"The directors believe that the proposed flotation on AIM will provide it with access to capital for profitable growth both organically and through acquisition, and to expand into complementary geographical and operational areas."