Leicestershire children's nursery group sold

Specialist property adviser Christie & Co is delighted to announce the recent sale of Bush Babies Children’s Nurseries Ltd - a highly regarded nursery group comprising seven impressive settings with an effective operating capacity for in excess of 435 children, all located across Leicestershire.

The group has now been sold to Busy Bees Childcare, one of the country’s leading childcare operators.

Nick Brown, Associate Director at Christie & Co, commented, “We were delighted to work with Jane Brailsford at Bush Babies Children’s Nurseries to assist with her plans to sell her renowned and established nursery group.  Jane and her son, Nick Brailsford approached Christie & Co as they were confident that we would be able to offer their group to the right buyers in a highly confidential manner and also help them through the whole sales process from start to finish.

“We were very aware of how sensitive this sale was and how important the confidentiality aspect was due to the large numbers of staff working for the group. Following a successful process of offering this opportunity to a target list of buyers we are delighted to report that multiple bids were secured just five weeks after initial marketing commenced. Following this, a deal was agreed with Busy Bees Childcare.

“We would like to wish Jane and her family all the very best for the future and for her plans to take her knowledge from the industry and build a new childcare group in Australia.”

Jane Brailsford, former Managing Director Bush Babies Children’s Nurseries Ltd added,  “It has been an incredible journey over the past 24 years and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in ensuring Bush Babies is the success it is today, staff, parents and of course most importantly the children!

“It was not an easy decision to sell my business, as this was a huge personal achievement, but working with Nick and his colleague Courteney Donaldson at Christie & Co has made the transition easier. Their support and knowledge in this sector is second to none, and they have been there every step of the way, from the initial decision to sell, to the day of the handover.  

“I am confident that Busy Bees will continue the ethos of Bush Babies and that it will go from strength to strength. My family and I wish them all the best for the future.” 

Marg Randles, Managing Director of Busy Bees Childcare commented, “We are delighted to welcome the Bush Babies group into the Busy Bees family. Every nursery in the portfolio is already providing exceptional outcomes for children and we are all really looking forward to working with the extremely talented teams in place.

“It is an absolute pleasure to work with such experienced managers and devoted staff, all of whom will continue to play the most important role, providing quality care for the children in partnership with their families. Meanwhile we will be working very closely with the management team to ensure this transition is as seamless as possible for everyone involved.”

In the last 12 months, Christie & Co has advised on nursery assets with a value of £733.6m and has the largest dedicated team of childcare business property agents in Europe.