Hampshire: Nursery group sold to French childcare operator

Specialist property business adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of Futurepath Childcare, a renowned family-run nursery group located in Hampshire.

The established group, which provides high-quality childcare, comprises five nurseries. Located in high-profile locations including Southampton, Park Gate, Ower, Whiteley in Fareham and Romsey, the group offers a combined operating capacity for circa 375 children.

The owners, Peter and Jacky Barnett, are experienced childcare operators who recently opened their latest addition to the group in 2019. They made the decision to approach Christie & Co and explore the option of selling after seeing the successful and confidential sale of one of their competitors.

Futurepath has been acquired by Grandir UK, an expanding French childcare operator who also own and operate Kiddi Caru Day Nurseries Group across the country.

Nick Brown, head of brokerage at Christie & Co, commented: “Following our first meeting with Peter and Jacky, it was clear to see that Futurepath is a leading childcare provider who has established themselves in the surrounding area as the ‘go to’ provider. Working under a strict timeline via a highly confidential sales process, my colleague Sophie Willcox and I were able to create a high level of competitive tension from all parties which resulted in numerous offers being received on this exciting opportunity.

"We are delighted that we have been able to work with Jacky and Peter to enable them to retire from the childcare industry and we should also mention the excellent supportive work provided by Julie Hughes at Cripps solicitors.”