Busy Bees expands Italian nursery portfolio with fresh acquisition

Cheryl Creaser

A Stafordshire early years providers has acquired a nursery in Isola, Milan.

The deal, brokered by RSM Corporate Finance, sees Busy Bees buy Isola dell Infanzia, which translates to Island of Childhood.

Founded in 2008, the nursery cares for children aged three months up to six years old and offers places for up to 74 children. The nursery complements Busy Bees Italia’s current offering in Milan, where it now boasts seven centres, plus one more in Como.

Busy Bees, which is headquartered in Burntwood, expanded into Italy in 2019 with the acquisition of an Italian nursery group consisting of seven centres. This move marked the group’s first landmark presence in continental Europe.

Following the acquisition of Isola dell Infanzia, Busy Bees now cares for more than 55,000 children across more than 650 sites globally, including centres in the UK, Ireland, Jersey, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, North America and Italy.

Cheryl Creaser, Europe CEO at Busy Bees, said: “We are constantly striving to deliver on our vision to give more children the best start in life within the UK and overseas. We take great pride in our commitment to providing quality care and education and that’s why there is no better feeling than welcoming another fantastic setting to our Busy Bees family which perfectly aligns with our values.

“I have every faith that the team at Isola dell Infanzia will help strengthen our current offering in Italy. When restrictions allow, I’m looking forward to meeting the team in person at Isola dell Infanzia and give them a true Busy Bees welcome.”

Federica Ortalli, business and development director at Busy Bees Italia added: “We are delighted to welcome the children, parents and educators at Isola dell Infanzia to our growing Busy Bees family. This exciting deal represents our first acquisition in Italy since we first expanded in Italy in 2019, and we hope will be the first of many for Busy Bees Italia over the coming months. Isola dell Infanzia will be a great addition to Busy Bees Italia in an much sort after area of Milan.”

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