Nursery World - Merger into largest chain is called off

The merger of Asquith Court and Kidsunlimited, two of the largest nursery chains in the UKand Ireland, was called off last week at the final hour. Both groups say they have reluctantly decided not to go ahead, blaming a delay in receiving a decision from the Inland Revenue, which they say is damaging the value of both businesses.

Both groups say they have reluctantly decided not to go ahead, blaming a delay in receiving a decision from the Inland Revenue, which they say is damaging the value of both businesses.

The merger of the two companies to form the Nursery Years Group was announced in July when contracts were exchanged, subject to technical issues. It was due to complete by 1 September.

If it had gone ahead the new company would have been the UK and Ireland's largest nursery chain, with 10,336 places and 151 settings (Nursery Chains, 4 November 2004). Asquith and Kidsunlimited would have continued to trade under their respective brands.

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