US investors splash out on acquisition of baby and toddler swimming school
Baby and toddler swimming school Water Babies has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by US investors Elmsley Capital and Westerly Group.
The Devon-headquartered company was founded in 2002 by Paul Thompson and teaches more than 80,000 babies every year through a network of 70 franchise businesses across the UK, Ireland, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, China and the US.
Ross Brendel, managing partner of Westerly, and Brian Burke, managing partner of Elmsley, will serve on the company’s board of directors following the deal. Mr Thompson will remain involved as non-executive director.
Thompson said: “There are many mixed emotions when selling the business you founded 22 years ago, but the overriding feeling is one of great excitement for the next chapter of Water Babies.
“It has a fabulous team, from top to bottom and a very special culture and it is now time for the next generation to shine with the excellent support of Ross and Brian; we could not have found better custodians.”
Water Babies’ new owners have said there is opportunity to expand the brand in the US following Water Babies’ acquisition of a swim school in Seattle.
Brendel said: “From the moment we met Paul, Howard, and the broader team, it was clear there was a rare passion driving Water Babies. The immense focus on all stakeholders—children, parents, team members, and franchise owners—is what has allowed Water Babies to become a household name in swimming education.
“We are honoured to be a part of continuing that legacy in the UK, while bringing Water Babies exceptional offering to more families throughout the world.”
