The recent activity in the private nursery sector prompted one interested observer to remark last week, 'Well, I think just about every nursery chain is up for sale.'
It's certainly beginning to feel that way. Following Australian giant ABC Learning Centres' acquisition last year of Busy Bees and Leapfrog to take the UK number one spot, the group has pounced again to buy TLC, owner of nine nurseries mostly on NHS sites (see News, page 4). And it is tipped to take on Kidsunlimited's 50-plus settings, which are also up for sale. US-based Bright Horizons Family Solutions, with more than 100 UK nurseries, is due to change hands too, although any effects on its British business are as yet unclear.
The owners of several other large chains could well be looking for an exit, with future prospects less than rosy. ABC could well find that it can acquire an even bigger share of the nursery chains market for a fairly reasonable price. Although the majority of the day nursery sector is still made up of individual operators, developments with the chains need to be monitored closely.
Childcare Student of the Year
For those just entering the childcare and early years profession, talk of corporate matters may seem an irrelevance. And indeed, high-quality, well-qualified staff will always be the most important element of provision. So if you are a tutor or trainer who has a student worthy of recognition for their current work and future potential, make sure you enter them for the Heinemann/Nursery World award. You'll find the entry form with this week's issue.
