Hampshire Nursery snapped up by established local operator

The nursery opened in 2019 and operates year-round, offering 54 childcare places. It benefited from an established presence in the local community and provides an excellent opportunity for expansion for the new owners.

Following a confidential sales process handled by Christie & Co on behalf of YMCA Fairthorne Group, the nursery has been acquired by First Friends Limited, an experienced local operator looking to expand. The acquisition marks their fifth setting in Hampshire.

Previous owner, Phillipa Spicer - CEO of YMCA Fairthorne Group, comments, “We are delighted to have found First Friends Ltd, a company that shares our commitment to high-quality Early Years education, to take this setting forward into its next chapter.”

Oliver Gubby – Business Agent, Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, comments, “We are thrilled to have assisted the YMCA Fairthorne Group with the sale of their New Milton setting. I believe that Louise Hayes and the wider First Friends Limited team will continue to operate this setting to a high standard, along with their growing portfolio of settings in the South. ”

Louise Hayes from First Friends Limited, comments ‘We are excited to have this presence in New Milton and welcome the staff team, children, and families into the First Friends community. New Milton has a strong sense of community and access to wonderful outdoor spaces. It is the perfect location for us to expand our operations and to solidify our presence in Hampshire and the wider area.”

The YMCA Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.

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For further information on this press release, contact:
Lydia Stewart, Junior Corporate Communications Executive
E: lydia.stewart@christie.com P: +44 77121 98994

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