Bristol-headquartered BBN Limited has added to its growing portfolio of pre-primary education businesses by purchasing the entire issued share capital of two leading children’s day nurseries.
The acquisition of New Road Nursery in Chippenham and Little Robins Nursery in Melksham from Shan and Mark Cawley will strengthen BBN Limited’s market presence, expand its geographic footprint and extend its range of childcare services to children and their families across south-west England and Wales.
BBN Limited was founded by owner Bob Bennett in 2009 and currently employs more than 100 qualified and experienced childcare specialists.
In August last year, the company added to its group of day nurseries in Bristol, Burnham-on-Sea, Salisbury, Stroud and Cardiff with the acquisition of Scribblez Day Nursery, the only Montessori nursery in Exeter.
BBN Limited received legal advice on all three acquisitions from members of Thrings’ corporate, commercial property and employment teams.
Thrings’ work included carrying out due diligence, negotiating the share purchase agreement and providing ongoing commercial advice. The firm also assisted with a simultaneous restructuring and refinancing of BBN Limited. The transactions were led by corporate partner Simon Hore, with assistance from company commercial solicitors Conor Melvin and Chloe Williams. Rebecca Whiting handled the property aspects of the deals, while fellow associate Carey Willis Fleming advised on employment matters.
Bob Bennett said: “This purchase was quite complex as it involved creating a new company structure. I appreciated Thrings’ ability to spare me complex legal wording and explain what was needed in simple layman’s language. I found Simon and his colleagues easy to work with and I felt secure that they ‘had my back’ at all times.”
Simon Hore added: “Thrings would like to congratulate Bob and his team at BBN Limited, which over the past twelve years has earned a fantastic reputation for offering young children a friendly and stimulating environment in which to learn.
“Completion of these transactions during such a challenging period is testament to the hard work and determination of all those involved. The effect of the lockdown on the education sector has been well documented, and having adhered closely to all government guidelines, it is great to see BBN Limited’s nurseries growing and very much open for business.”
Shan and Mark Cawley received legal advice from Barcan+Kirby.