First class child care group sold
Specialist property advisor Christie & Co is delighted to announce the sale of First Class Child Care Ltd - a highly regarded nursery group providing childcare to just over 600 children within nine settings across Lancashire and Yorkshire.
The group has been sold to Just Childcare Ltd, an established nursery provider who now, with the addition of First Class Child Care, operates 32 settings across the North of England.
Rosie Adlem, Associate Director at Christie & Co commented: “We were delighted to work with the Directors of First Class Child Care to assist them with their plans for the sale of the company. Having known the Directors, Andrew and Emma Clifford, for a number of years, we were very aware of how sensitive a sale this was due to their profile in the sector and so it was important that the process was managed very closely and sensitively. We are pleased to report that following a very controlled and discreet campaign, multiple bids were secured just 5 weeks after initial marketing commenced.
“We would like to wish Andrew and Emma all the very best with their new endeavours and have no doubts that Just Childcare will continue to build on the strong reputation of the group.”
Andrew Clifford, former Managing Director of First Class Child Care said: “We are pleased to confirm the conclusion of the sale of FCCC to highly experienced Nursery Operators, Just Childcare, and we are confident that the nurseries will continue to flourish. Thank you to the team at Christie & Co for a highly professional service.
“FCCC has played a huge part in our life for over 17 years and Emma I are now looking forward to the next chapter both professionally and personally for our young family.
“We would like to thank everyone that we have worked with across the group and wish everyone every success for the future - in particular all our children and families that have made FCCC what it is today.”
Courteney Donaldson, Head of Childcare at Christie & Co added: “During the last 12 months alone, Christie & Co has visited close to 1000 nurseries and advised on nursery assets with a combined value of £733.6m.
With national coverage and sector specific advisors, Christie & Co continues to be the go-to agent in this highly specialist sector and the sale of a company such as First Class Child Care demonstrates the growing demand for both group and individual asset sales across the country.”
