Orchard Day Nurseries is a family-owned multi-site nursery group with locations across Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
The family were looking to realise the value they had built in the business and were determined to find a strong home for the group. Having been introduced to the group in early 2023, we worked with the owners to approach a number of highly strategic parties that could provide the right environment for the nurseries to continue to thrive.
We were also appointed to advise on tax structuring for the transaction – both to maximise the ‘net of tax’ proceeds from the sale, but also execute a complex property demerger to allow the family to continue to benefit from rental income from the nursery operations.
We ran an efficient and competitive process which generated significant interest from an array of strategic trade buyers. Due to the quality of the group and its leading local reputation, alongside our highly specialist experience in the sector, we were able to achieve a strong multiple for the group which provided a value-adding transaction for both sides.
The business was sold to Kindred Education, a high quality provider based in the East of England. Kindred has been actively acquiring quality players in the region, and ODN was a perfect fit to enable them to continue their growth.
I am thrilled with the result of the sale process. Grant Thornton were fantastic at navigating me through what was a complex and intensive process. Having never done this before, their detailed guidance and deal negotiation experience was critical in achieving the sale. Kindred is an excellent home for the business and I know the nurseries and the team will be well looked after
Orchard day Nursery Limited Aimee Gentry, Owner
