Leapfrog, founded in 1998, hopes to raise 30m through the flotation, with the company valued at an estimated 70m. The new cash is intended to fund Leapfrog's continuing expansion and wipe out its trading losses.
Derek Mapp (right), Leapfrog's executive chairman, has steered a company through the process of flotation before. He founded the Tom Cobleigh pub chain, which floated in 1995 and was bought by Rank Leisure in 1996. Sue Husbands, Leapfrog's managing director (centre, with finance director Mike Butcher, left) previously ran a consultancy assisting new nursery operators.
Mr Mapp said, 'We have built Leapfrog into a great business, offering the highest levels of childcare to parents. It also offers many attractions for investors - high growth potential with strong asset backing and a predictable business model.'
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