A children's nursery has been sold to an expanding West Midlands day care operator.
Teddys Garden Day Nursery, in Cheddleton, Staffordshire, has been acquired by Solihull-based Daycare (UK) Ltd for an undisclosed sum.
The 'outstanding' nursery was developed in 2004 by Andrew and Justine Cope.
It has been sold following the pair's decision to relocate to spend more time with their family and concentrate on other projects.
Now Teddys Garden Day Nursery, which offers provision for 60 children up to the age of five, has been bought by Daycare (UK) Ltd which also owns Dot Tots Nursery in Wolverhampton.
The acquisition forms part of the company's wider expansion plans. The deal will also see the couple behind the business move into accommodation close to the nursery.
Company director Daniel Skitt said: "Our first setting, Dots Tots, was acquired 14 years ago and, since that point, both myself and my wife have been heavily involved in many positive changes for the building and the business.
"Teddys' beautiful Victorian building and history was key to our decision to purchase and is in-keeping with our ongoing commitment to only acquire and operate settings we'd be happy to send our own children to. Its grounds and local notoriety for exceptional childcare also spoke volumes.
"We have chosen to move our family into the on-site accommodation and will continued to provide 'outstanding' childcare for our families present and future."
Specialist business property adviser Christie and Co advised on the sale.
Jassi Sunner, associate director at Christie & Co, said: "Teddys Garden is a hidden gem in a rural part of North Staffordshire, offering a vital early years service. Justine and Andrew have grown the business effectively over the years and earned a strong reputation. It was a pleasure to work with them and really understand their business and what they were looking to achieve from the sale.
"Once we introduced Daniel to the transaction, a sale was agreed very quickly. With the pandemic hitting last year, we all worked together to complete this sale just before the end of 2020 and to provide Daniel with a strong platform to grow the business in the new year. We sincerely wish all parties the best of luck."
