A WILMSLOW kindergarten was bought from an expanding operator for an undisclosed fee.
The Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery was purchased by Ninas Nurseries and complements the seven existing facilities in Cheshire, which offer more than 300 childcare places.
The Hawthorn Lane kindergarten, which serves parents from the surrounding towns, was previously owned by Liz Butterworth as part of the Monkey Puzzle franchise.
After 10 years of ownership and the end of the lease, Liz made the decision to move the business to a new owner.
She said, “I am delighted to have found a buyer who is so well placed to move the kindergarten forward.”
Nina Stones, Chief Founding Officer of Ninas Nurseries, added: “I am delighted to welcome the former monkey puzzle Wilmslow Day Nursery (now renamed Ninas Nursery Wilmslow) to our group.
“The kindergarten offers quality childcare with a long-time manager and team who are a perfect match as they share the same ethos and values.”
“Each kindergarten is unique because they are all part of their local communities and have different needs.
“Their only differentiator is that each team has a passion for creating a home where children can learn at their own pace and be encouraged to become confident, disciplined, and active learners, equipped with the life skills necessary for ready for their next trip. “”
The sale of the kindergarten was handled by the specialist real estate consultant Christie & Co.
Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery is an established company that has always provided a high quality care experience for children ages zero to five.
The kindergarten is located in a four story semi-detached house that has been rebuilt and renovated to a high standard.
Monkey Puzzle Operations Manager Stuart Graham said, “Our main desire is to have the communities served by great kindergartens run by great operators. Wilmslow has been wonderfully served by Liz and her team for many years under the Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries brand.
“We are proud to have supported Liz on her journey as an Early Years Provider as part of our franchise network of kindergartens across the UK.
“The kindergarten is now moving on to another chapter in its history under the direction of Nina’s Kindergartens and fulfilling our wish for a continuation of great childcare for the community.
“We congratulate everyone involved and wish them all the best for the future.”
Sofia Beck, Assistant Director at Christie & Co, said: “This was a particularly unique transaction where we were looking for a specialist buyer who would be well suited to the opportunity.
“Despite the challenges over the past year that forced the closure of some companies in the sector, the opportunity aroused great interest throughout the marketing process.
“We worked with Liz to continually adjust the way we sparked new interest so we could get a successful deal.
“Nina’s enthusiasm and expert approach to the handover process made the staff feel positive and reassured by the news of the sale, although it was obviously sad to see Liz leave.
“All in all a great result for everyone. I wish Liz all the best in her future plans. It has been a pleasure to work with her.”