Purchaser: Martin Walker
Sale completed: June 2003
Purchase price: Achieved more than 90 per cent of the asking price Purchasing Hemsley House Day Nurseries marks Martin Walker's entry into the childcare sector. Mr Walker looked at six nurseries before settling on Hemsley House which is located at two sites - a baby unit and a toddler unit - in large, detached Victorian houses with extensive gardens.
As a first-time nursery buyer Mr Walker, who used business agents Christie & Co, was looking for a nursery where the management would remain in place.
'I needed a self-managed business and was attracted to Hemsley House because the previous owner had eased back from being the driver of the business and had a good management team in place,' he says.
'I wanted somewhere with a nurturing, homely feel where I would be happy to send my own children.'
The nurseries are registered for 72 children, but this is expected to increase by about 50 per cent through building an extension and converting living space.
Mr Walker intends to purchase more nurseries in the future.
