Our Corporate team has advised the shareholders of Mulberry Bush Nursery Group on an investment from Foresight Group, supporting the nursery operator's next phase of growth and expansion across the North of England.
Founded in 1990, Mulberry Bush Nursery Group is a leading provider of early years education and childcare, operating five nursery settings across Greater Manchester. The business provides 460 registered childcare places and employs approximately 200 people. The investment will support an ambitious buy-and-build strategy, combining organic growth with strategic acquisitions to expand access to high-quality childcare across the region.
The transaction provides a succession solution for the existing shareholders while positioning the business for continued growth under an experienced leadership team led by incoming CEO Cary Rankin.
Our team was led by Corporate Partner Ian Gillis, supported by Olivia Jones (Legal Director) and Emily Kingston (Paralegal). Specialist Real Estate advice was also provided by Jon Pearson-Basudev (Legal Director) and Natasha Bradley (Associate).
We were delighted to support the shareholders of Mulberry Bush Nursery Group on this significant transaction. Having built an outstanding reputation over more than three decades, the business is exceptionally well placed for its next stage of growth. We wish the shareholders, management team and Foresight every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter.Ian Gillis
Corporate Partner at Hill Dickinson
Sophie Clough, Senior Investment Manager at Foresight Group, commented: "Mulberry Bush is a well-established and highly respected nursery group with an impressive track record of providing high-quality childcare across Greater Manchester. The business has strong foundations and a clear opportunity to build scale through both organic growth and acquisitions. We are delighted to be partnering with the existing Mulberry Bush team alongside the new senior hires and look forward to supporting its continued expansion, helping increase access to high-quality childcare provision across the North of England."