Bev and Tony Driffield, who co-own Mama Bear's, told Nursery World the reason behind the sale of nine of the nurseries in Bristol, is to allow the group to restructure its finances post-Covid.
The deal leaves Mama Bear's with 15 nurseries across Bristol, Somerset and Devon.
Grandir UK, which owns Kiddi Caru, has bought the following Mama Bear's settings in Bristol:
- Brislington
- Hengrove
- Bradley Stoke (two settings)
- Downend (two settings)
- Soundwell
- St George
- Hanham
With the deal, Grandir UK, which according to Nursery World’s Nursery Chains 2023 is the 6th largest nursery group in the country, now operates 81 settings, providing 6,528 childcare places.
Lydia Hopper, chief executive of Grandir UK, added, ‘Tony and Bev have successfully crafted a stellar reputation providing childcare solutions to families in the local area since 2004.
‘They have confidently left the nurseries in Grandir UK’s capable hands to continue to provide high-quality childcare where children will enjoy an enriched and unique range of education programmes. The nursery teams will reap the rewards of being part of a larger group.
‘Thank you to broker Grant Thornton, who approached us with the opportunity and helped all parties throughout.’
