Nurseries M&A Review 2023

A review of the key mergers & acquisitions across the UK nurseries and early years education sector in 2023

Our 2023 nurseries M&A review, which can be downloaded below, covers the key corporate deal activity across the day nurseries UK market during the year.

Download Report

Notable Nurseries M&A Deals 2023

Acquisition of The Learning Journey by Kids Planet

Another successful acquisition for Kids Planet with the addition of a trio of nurseries in the West Midlands
The Learning Journey Group, based in Dudley, offers a combined total of 334 places for children aged 0 to 4
Fremman Capital-backed Kids Planet has now grown to c.170 settings across the UK through nationwide acquisitions and greenfield developments
The deal marked an active end to the year for Kids Planet, adding numerous settings to the group within 2023
We expect to see further deals from Kids Planet in 2024, as the group continues its acquisition drive with Fremman’s backing

Graphite investment into Storal

An interesting investment from mid-market private equity firm Graphite Capital into the nursery and pre-school operator Storal
Headquartered in London, Storal has a nationwide portfolio of settings, operating 26 nurseries and 2 out of school clubs, which serve over 2,000 children across the UK
Storal’s growth in recent years has been fuelled by an acquisition strategy focused on single site and small group settings being integrated into their platform
The investment will enhance Storal’s current educational provision and aid further geographical expansion across the UK

Grandir’s acquisition of nine Mama Bear Nurseries

A significant deal for Grandir, acquiring nine of Mama Bear’s Bristol-based nurseries
The Mama Bear’s nurseries have a combined total of 600 places and will be renamed under Grandir’s ‘Kiddi Caru’ branding
Sale of the nurseries occurred to enable Mama Bears to restructure their finances post-covid, leaving the group with 15 nurseries across Somerset, Bristol and Devon
Grandir, the multi brand nursery group, is now home to c.80 settings providing 6,500 childcare places across the South East, Midlands and South West regions
The deal will allow further expansion across South West England

Acquisition of Little Green Rascals by Old Station Nursery

Another deal highlighting buyer interest of quality small nursery groups, with The Old Station Nursery acquiring Little Green Rascals nursery group
Little Green Rascals is York's first eco-conscious and organic nursery, and has grown its portfolio to 7 sites
The group now caters for 1,300 families, and cares for 550 children per day across the 7 locations
Since joining La Maison Bleue, The Old Station Group has grown considerably, with the group now comprising c.80 settings, predominantly in the South East and West Midlands