Middle Eastern interest in childcare and education on the rise
Specialist property adviser, Christie & Co will be attending the Dubai Schools & Education Show from the 12th – 13th January. The show is an annual one-stop-shop education event that draws together private schools, international schools, preschools, nurseries and educational institutions.
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Courteney Donaldson, Managing Director - Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, comments, “Off the back of an established global education market, activity across the early years childcare sector has rapidly gained pace during the past 12 to 18 months. A number of notable deals in the Middle East, such as the merger between Blossoms Nurseries – the largest provider of early years education services in Dubai, and Babilou MENA, the Middle East operation of Babilou Group, one of Europe’s largest nursery groups, fueled interest and confidence. Announcements of transactions across both the early years and education sectors have driven interest in both inward and outbound business investment and acquisition opportunities.
“Alongside demand across the Middle East for acquisitions and joint ventures partnerships, across both the early years and education sectors, the Brexit vote fuelled the volume of international enquires that we have received from MENA associated to inbound UK interest, with the fall in the value of the Pound awarding overseas buyers additional currency gains when acquiring nurseries and schools.
“The day nursery business market, specifically in Dubai, has not been without its challenges, but buyer demand and investor interest remains strong for nurseries and schools that can demonstrate solid revenues, high quality practice, alongside sustained and stable earnings.
“2018 will undoubtedly provide a raft of opportunities for international investors and trade operators alike, especially for those seeking to develop their business, brand, expertise and operations overseas.”