Kids Planet grows network with latest acquisition

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has sold Tender Years Day Nursery in Leigh, Wigan to national operator Kids Planet.

Tender Years Day Nursery was established by its current owners, Mike and Rachel Critchley in early 2021 as a sister setting to its successful nursery in Bolton.

The acquisition means that Kids Planet now has more than 143 settings across the UK.

Rachel Critchley, former owner, said “The sale of the business is for a lifestyle change. Kids Planet was the only operator that we would consider as they share the same ethos and drive to provide the best care for children. Sofia Beck supported us with the initial contact with Kids Planet and Claire Roberts, and her team provided an in depth and swift sale of our Leigh Nursery.”

Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet, said: “Tender Years Leigh is a fantastic purpose-built building that is in its infancy but has a dedicated and enthusiastic team in place that will make a great addition to Kids Planet. I am pleased to welcome the nursery into our Kids Planet family and look forward to supporting the team as they integrate into our group.”

Sofia Beck, associate director – childcare and education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, said: “After selling Mike and Rachel their first nursery in 2015, it’s been a real pleasure keeping in touch with them over the years. Seeing what they had created from the ground up with their Leigh nursery after acquiring the vacant site in the middle of the pandemic was truly impressive.

“I could see that this setting was a clear fit for Kids Planet’s growing portfolio, especially given that they previously didn’t have a presence in the town Leigh. I’d like to wish Mike and Rachel all the best for the future, and I’m certain they have left their budding nursery in excellent hands.”

The sum of the deal was undisclosed.

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