11/2/2021 | Childcare & Education

Just Imagine Day Nursery deal takes Family First to 30 settings

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Just Imagine Day Nursery to Family First, taking the group’s portfolio to 30 nurseries.



Just Imagine has five nurseries in Essex; in Colchester, Maldon, Vange and two in Wickford, with a total of 221 nursery places, extending the Family First footprint out of London and beyond the M25. 
 
Just Imagine’s Co-Director, Mike Springett, explained his company’s decision to sell to Family First, “After considering a number of options before us, we became convinced that the ethos, ambitions and achievements of Family First would ensure a bright future for Just Imagine Nurseries. We are thrilled that our children, families and staff remain in safe hands and wish everyone success in the coming years.” 

CEO at Family First, Ollie Humphries, said, “We are on a mission to become the best quality childcare provider in the country and have been seeking like-minded businesses or ones where there is opportunity for further growth in nursery places. Our latest acquisitions underline our desire to continue adding quality locations to our growing portfolio of brands.” 
 
Sophie Willcox and David Eaves, Directors at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, comment, “We are delighted to have worked for the Directors of the Just Imagine group to find them the perfect home for their nurseries. 
 
“This was a competitive process which highlights, again, that quality single settings and small groups are in high demand and are achieving premium sale prices as a result. We wish Family First the best of luck for the future with these nurseries and are delighted to have helped them reach 30 settings.” 
 
Just Imagine was sold for an undisclosed price.

 
For further information on this press release, contact:
Phoebe Burrows, Corporate Communications Executive
P: 020 7448 8849 or E: phoebe.burrows@christie.com

Contact the agent:
Sophie Willcox, Director – Childcare & Education
P: 07736 620 855 or E: sophie.willcox@christie.com

David Eaves, Director – Childcare & Education
P: 07711 767 094 or E: david.eaves@christie.com