Since ABC Learning Centres, the Australian company that is the world's largest childcare provider, bought the UK's Busy Bees last December, the sector has been expecting a further move from ABC boss 'Fast Eddy' Groves. Last week, ABC added Nord Anglia's 88 Leapfrog nurseries to its UK assets to take the number one spot - some way ahead of Asquith in second place (see News, page 4, and Analysis, page 9).
The move brings to an end Nord Anglia's foray into daycare, which was never a huge success, operationally or financially. The hasty acquisition of three chains, Leapfrog, Jigsaw and Petits Enfants, was followed by difficulties merging the businesses smoothly. One nursery was featured in the critical BBC 'Nurseries Undercover' programme, several others had health and safety problems. Staff morale fell, as did occupancy levels as the nurseries faced maintained sector competition.
Busy Bees now has the chance to develop a nationally-recognised brand of day nurseries, with the backing of an international nursery group. But it will need to be a hive of industry to tackle the huge task it is taking on.
