Two Greater Manchester rival nursery groups have merged to form one of the largest chains in the UK.
It follows a deal in which Kids Planet, founded by Clare Roberts and her father John in 2008, acquired Kids Allowed, the nursery chain established by Jennie Johnson MBE nearly 17 years ago.
Kids Planet, which is backed by investment firm BGF, will now operate 52 nurseries across the north west and Midlands and provide care to nearly 6,000 children.
Clare Roberts said: “We’ve made a number of acquisitions in recent years.
“This deal is particularly significant as it brings together two of the most successful nursery groups in the UK, making us the best childcare group for quality, based on Ofsted grades and other industry accolades, including 2019 Nursery World Group of the Year and Nursery Management Group of the Year.
“Kids Allowed is a business we’ve long-admired for its approach and commitment to high-quality care.
“Both companies were started by working mums when we were faced with the challenge of finding flexible and excellent childcare for our own children. We both felt there was an opportunity to improve standards and options in the market.
“There are so many synergies which has made this acquisition feel like a natural move and we look forward to future success.”
Kids Planet has been growing through a buy and build strategy in recent years.
The group initially received £10m investment from BGF in 2016 when it had 17 nurseries.
It has trebled its footprint since then. The latest deal is the group’s third follow-on investment which will support ambitious plans for future growth.
Alongside significant growth, Kids Planet now runs its own training academy delivering qualifications from apprenticeships to master’s degrees.
Rival Kids Allowed was established in 2003 by Jennie Johnson MBE and has grown to eight nurseries.
The group has five Ofsted Outstanding ratings and have two nurseries awaiting inspection.
Jennie said: “In making the decision to part with Kids Allowed, it was of the utmost importance to me to find a company and leader that would continue the Kids Allowed legacy of care, passion and excellence with regard to both the experience provided for the children and families in our care and equally for our colleagues.
“I have known Clare and Kids Planet for many years and know that the coming together of arguably the two best childcare groups in the country will create something even more special than the sum of its parts.
“I’m excited to see this new force in childcare take shape whilst bringing highest quality childcare to even more families in the region and beyond.”
