Early years education provider expands West Midlands presence with acquisition

Early years education provider Nursery Elite (Little Nurseries) has expanded its presence in the West Midlands with the acquisition of Sunflowers Nurseries.

The acquisition is part of the planned retirement of Sunflowers Nurseries’ long-standing owners, who are stepping down after 25 years of running the business.

All existing staff members will remain in place to ensure a smooth transition for both the children and their families.

The deal adds two nursery sites – a mini pre-school on Beacon Road and a larger pre-school on Moreton Avenue in Pheasey – to Nursery Elite’s portfolio. Both locations will continue offering care and education for children aged three months to five years.

Based in Rugby, Warwickshire, Nursery Elite now operates seven nurseries across the region, including Little Memories Day Nursery and Little Tots Day Nursery in Birmingham.

The group currently provides for over 800 children and employs more than 150 staff members across its sites.

Luke Moore, director at Nursery Elite said: “As a parent myself, I understand how crucial the early years are – not just for a child’s development, but for the family as a whole. Sunflowers has built a fantastic reputation, offering a warm and nurturing environment that aligns with our values. We look forward to building on what has already been achieved, working with the team to continue providing a unique experience for the children and families we serve.”

“We also aim to strengthen the relationship between parents and staff to help every child thrive, which is central to our long-term growth. We’re also exploring additional acquisitions in the region as part of our expansion strategy.”

Shakespeare Martineau provided legal counsel on the deal, with Katie Taken leading the transaction. The team also included corporate healthcare solicitor Stena Rham and commercial real estate legal director Desh Patel.

Taken said: “We’re pleased to have supported Nursery Elite on this strategic acquisition. Sunflowers Nurseries is a high-quality provider with a strong local reputation, making it a great addition to the group. Our sector expertise helped us provide tailored, end-to-end legal support, ensuring the transaction was smooth and efficient.”