‘Outstanding’ Stockport day nursery sold, for the first time, to Just Childcare
Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of the well-renowned Stockport day nursery, Little Darlings Day Nursery, to Just Childcare Ltd.
Little Darlings Day Nursery is an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ setting, providing exceptional childcare and high-quality early years education for up to 72 children aged nought to five years. The setting occupies a converted, impeccably maintained former pub property with a spacious and impressive outdoor learning environment in the popular suburb of Offerton in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
Established by Anne Smith in 2009, the business has gone from strength to strength and offers children a bespoke, personable, ‘home from home’ experience which is unique to any other nursery in the area. Anne recently decided to sell as she felt the time was right to experience new ventures outside of the sector.
Following a confidential sales process with Sofia Beck at Christie & Co, it has been sold to national provider, Just Childcare Ltd, which now owns 64 settings.
Anne Smith, former owner of Little Darlings Day Nursery, comments, "When I first set up the nursery, the ethos was to create a warm and nurturing environment that puts children and families at the heart of everything we do. The staff team have continued to build from there to create the outstanding setting it is today. It wasn’t an easy decision to hand Little Darlings over, but I felt the time was right for me to take on new challenges. I feel that I have left the nursery in safe hands and hope that Just Childcare continues the good work.”
Toni Kilby, M&A Director (UK) at Just Childcare, comments, “We are delighted to welcome another outstanding nursery to our group. We are very much looking forward to working closely with the existing nursery team, providing the support they need to continue their great work and success and to enhance the experience for the children and families in their care.”
Sofia Beck, Director – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, comments, “I’m so pleased to have assisted Anne with the sale of Little Darlings as I know it was a big decision for her to move forward with after owning the nursery for such a long time. I’m reassured that the current experienced staff team and Just Childcare will continue Anne’s outstanding ethos and become excellent tenants for her. I wish Anne all the best for the future and her next chapter.
“When considering exiting, the new lease option has become a popular choice with nursery operators recently. This is where the original owner sells the business (goodwill) but keeps ownership of the property, creating a lease for the new provider and generating a reliable rental income.”
Little Darlings Day Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.
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For further information on this press release, contact:
Phoebe Burrows, Corporate Communications Manager
P: 07540 063 598 or E: phoebe.burrows@christie.com
Contact the agent:
Sofia Beck, Director – Childcare & Education
P: 07736 616 687 or E: sofia.beck@christie.com
Visit Christie & Co’s Business Search page to find out more about current childcare & education listings.
