Former financial services professional adds another nursery to portfolio

Simon Johnson and Rik Pancholi

A Nottingham entrepreneur has added another nursery to his growing portfolio following an acquisition supported by Pattersons Commercial Law.

Simon Johnson, who owns four other nurseries following a series of acquisitions in 2018, has now added The Homestead Day Nursery based in Calverton, Nottinghamshire, to Lambley Day Nursery, two Little Stars Nursery sites and an out of school club in Hilton, Derbyshire.

The nursery is based in one of the oldest farmhouses in the village which is approaching 200 years old but has been extensively altered to create the feeling of its original character, while incorporating the most modern facilities for childcare.

Johnson, who previously worked in the financial services sector before embarking on a property development career and latterly into nurseries began discussions with the owners via his solicitor Rik Pancholi of Pattersons Commercial Law, following news of last year’s acquisitions.

Johnson said: “We’ve been incredibly busy incorporating the 2018 acquisitions into the portfolio and to be quite honest, we weren’t actively seeking another location at the time. However, when I discussed it with Rik who has a very entrepreneurial mindset, we could see that The Homestead dovetailed perfectly with our strategy and we entered discussions with the owners over a deal.

“We don’t rebrand the nurseries or make sweeping changes so they have to be the right fit in terms of what we can do to add value and where the existing business is viable with potential for further growth. With The Homestead, we’ve acquired a nursery with a fantastic team and reputation. The next phase is working it into the portfolio so that we can find synergies and identify opportunities for shared resources and training.’

Rik Pancholi of Pattersons Commercial Law who advised Simon Johnson on the acquisition said: “Simon is building fantastic momentum because whilst he has his business model set, he is also ready to adapt and take action when the opportunity comes along. Simon’s vision allows him to scale sensibly and when the opportunity came around to acquire The Homestead Day Nursery we discussed it and worked together relatively swiftly to conclude the deal.

“Once again we are delighted to have been able to support him in the next phase of the group’s development and their longer term growth strategy.”

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