MiChild, an industry-leading operator in providing high-quality childcare, has purchased Childs-Play Nursery Group, a lucrative group with five settings located in Blackpool, Lancashire.
The group was sold off an asking price of £5.5m with the sale being agreed during lockdown as the RDK Childcare team continued to operate fully throughout the lockdown period.
Based in Greater Manchester, MiChild purchased Network Nurseries Limited, a group of five revered childcare settings located across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, closely followed by the acquisition of Domalo Childcare, an impressive group of four day nurseries in August, both via RDK which has now increased their portfolio size to 18 settings, all of which have been brokered by Redwoods Dowling Kerr.
With significant expansion across the North West during the pandemic, MiChild has established itself as one of the largest operators in the region and now offers over 1000 childcare places.
Childs-Play, the Group’s latest acquisition, commenced trading in 2001 with the purchase of a former Methodist church, which became Little Angels Day Nursery. Over the years that followed, the business has experienced strong levels of growth and now operates from five freehold settings across the Fylde coast.
With a combined capacity of 359 places and an excellent reputation since its inception, Childs-Play, enhancing its commitment in providing a bespoke experience to local children.
The settings are well-established with a vibrant and colourful setting which creates a stimulating environment for the children. They offer various play and educational resources such as activity rooms, outdoor play areas and a variety of learning environments.
The nursery’s owners Sarah and David Sloane wished to discuss the sale of Childs-Play and due to having five setting across Blackpool and an excellent reputation, our clients wanted a highly confidential sales process, which we delivered.
Jenna Caldwell, Director of Childcare and Education for Redwoods Dowling Kerr, headed up the team responsible for the sale of Childs-Play to create a strong business sales strategy. The internal marketing team produced a high-quality Information Memorandum which was marketed to MiChild and ensured strict confidentiality and minimal disruption. The sale completed in less than five months and during the pandemic.
Given the significant demand expected for the nursery group as a result of its growth potential, Sarah Ellison, Senior Childcare Negotiator at Redwoods Dowling Kerr, was able to contact MiChild and deliver an offer to match our clients’ expectations.
Under her stewardship, Childs-Play was purchased by MiChild, who have aspirations to maintain the excellent standard of care and invest in the business to facilitate further growth.
Due to our excellent relationships with our buyers and the knowledge we have gathered throughout our time in operation, we were able to provide an offer that match the expectation of our clients.
She said: “Once Childs-Play came to Redwoods Dowling Kerr I knew that MiChild would be a perfect match for the business. We contacted the buyer and they thought it was an excellent opportunity to expand the Group.
“The nursery group is a market-leading business that would attract significant interest from multiple buyers, so keeping the sale process confidential would have been extremely difficult, but we met the demands of the owners.
“We have secured a fantastic deal for our clients and an excellent acquisition for the buyer; I am delighted for all parties.”
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