The Manor Tree Group was previously the 17th largest nursery operator in the UK and Ireland, with 806 places (Nursery Chains, summer 2005). Its five standalone nurseries are in West Norwood in London, and Binfield, Iver and Slough in Berkshire. It also has three nursery units attached to independent schools in Berkshire and Surrey.
CfBT owns three nurseries in Lancashire - in Chorley, Horwich and Lancaster - and a fourth setting in Middlesbrough, Teesside. It currently offers a total of 320 places. The company also owns three primary schools.
CfBT's acquisition of the Manor Tree settings increases its total number of registered nursery places to 1,126.
The Manor Tree nurseries are to retain their identities under the Manor Tree brand.
The deal also includes the acquisition of Manor Tree Group's educational training centre.
Chris and Sally Eaton, the owners of the Manor Tree Group, set up the chain in 1983.
They said, 'We are delighted to be joining CfBT and feel very positive about the future developments of the schools and nurseries within the new portfolio.'
The couple said they had chosen to sell the group to CfBT because of 'a fine match' in ethos and educational values.
Neil McIntosh, CfBT's chief executive officer, said, 'The Manor Tree Group is a splendid addition to CfBT. We welcome the staff, parents and pupils as part of this exciting new venture.'
