2/8/2019 | Childcare & Education

Little Acorns Nursery in Hampshire acquired by local group operator

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has brokered the sale of Little Acorns Nursery School in Waterlooville, Hampshire to an experienced operator in the sector.



Little Acorns is a well established children’s day nursery that was purpose built by the previous owner in 1995 with an operating capacity for 88 children and currently holding an Ofsted rating of ‘Good.’ The nursery offers a range of age specific rooms and extensive, enclosed gardens for children’s play.

Occupying a prime location, Little Acorns sits just off the main A3 road in a large business park, making it highly accessible for parents in the town of Waterlooville and neighbouring areas.

Having owned and operated the nursery for almost 25 years, Peter Wride decided to sell as part of his plan to exit the sector and comments “Sophie Willcox of Christie & Co made the sale seamless. Sophie’s calm, professional manner ensured a smooth sale.”

Little Acorns has been purchased by TMB Day Nurseries, a local group operator trading as The Mulberry Bush, with settings located across South Hampshire. The site’s desirable location was a major factor in their decision to acquire. Mr Oliver Thomson, Director of TMB Day Nurseries, comments, “The team at The Mulberry Bush are very excited about taking on, and working with, this well-established setting. We are looking forward to working with the management and staff at Little Acorns as we implement a significant investment phase as we bring the setting into the Mulberry Bush family.

“The transaction was significantly improved in both efficiency and timescale by the prompt and very professional approach of Christie & Co and especially Sophie Willcox. Her dedication was particularly instrumental in the final couple of days to ensure a swift completion that all parties were delighted with.’

Sophie Willcox, Associate Director at Christie & Co who handled the sale, comments, “It has been a pleasure working with Peter Wride and his team throughout the sale process. I would like to thank them for their patience and to wish them both the best with their future endeavours.

“I’d also like to wish Oliver and his family the best of luck at Little Acorns. It is a fantastic move for them to expand their group across Hampshire and I understand that they are keen to get settled and put their exciting ideas into action.”

Little Acorns was sold off a guide price of £650,000 for the leasehold interest.