Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has sold Tiptoes Nursery Group, a portfolio of seven day nursery settings located around East Yorkshire.
Originally founded in 2009 by the current owners Paul and Helen Gilson, Tiptoes is an established day nursery group that has steadily grown in reputation and size to now provide childcare for over 700 children across seven freehold purpose-built properties located in West Hull, East Hull, Hessle, Willerby, Sutton, Goole and Bricknell Avenue.
Helen and Paul embarked on their journey of starting a nursery business, with their very young children, Jack and Lucy, who were their first customers and the inspiration behind their venture. As they nurtured their dream into a thriving group, the decision to sell the business was not an easy one; it came with mixed emotions of nostalgia and excitement for what lay ahead.
Following a confidential sales process with Nick Brown at Christie & Co the group has been sold to Kids Planet Day Nurseries, which now owns 213 settings across the UK.
Helen and Paul Gilson, former owners of Tiptoes Day Nursery Group, said: “Partnering with Kids Planet has transformed what could have been a challenging transition into a truly pleasurable experience.
“Their professionalism and genuine commitment to integrating Tiptoes into their group, made the process seamless, allowing us to feel confident that our beloved business was in safe hands.”
Clare Roberts, CEO at Kids Planet, said: “Tiptoes is a fantastic group of purpose-built settings, expanding our presence in East Riding of Yorkshire and Hull. We are delighted to welcome these seven nurseries and their wonderful teams into the Kids Planet family. We look forward to supporting all of the teams, children and families moving forwards.”
Nick Brown, Director & Head of Brokerage – Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, said: “I first met with Paul and Helen in 2016 when they were looking to expand, and we have kept in touch since then.
“It was only this year when they were looking to re-assess where they were at that we had a more in-depth look at where the business and the market were in terms of potential value. This then triggered a highly confidential sales process and it’s been a delight in working with them both.
“They are a buyer’s dream because they have been super-efficient in providing all the information a buyer could want. This is an exceptional group that they should be very proud of, and we are delighted to have brokered their sale to Kids Planet who I am sure will continue to build on the excellent work they have achieved over the years.”
Tiptoes Day Nursery Group was sold for an undisclosed price.
