Nursery group’s owners realise 20 years’ worth of work in sale to prominent childcare provider

Leigh’s Nurseries, an early years childcare provider with three sites across the North East, has been acquired by Kids Planet Nurseries, in a deal overseen by leading local advisers.

Leigh's Nurseries was established in 2004 by Leigh and Paul Caven. The couple opened their first nursery in Heddon-On-The-Wall in Northumberland before expanding into Gateshead and North Tyneside. Over the years, they built up a market-leading reputation for quality, boasting seven “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings in a row, and ranking as one of the top providers in the country.

Kids Planet Day Nurseries is a family-owned, award-winning group of more than 195 nurseries across the UK that cares for over 29,000 children.

Securing the future of Leigh’s Nurseries under the new Kids Planet ownership will continue the provision of first-class childcare to over 230 children across the wider Newcastle region. The deal will also secure the future jobs of its 80+ dedicated staff members.

The transaction, completed in July 2024, was advised on by the Corporate Finance Team at UNW LLP, led by Nick Broadhead and Chris Wilson . Legal advice was provided by the Corporate Team at Muckle LLP | B Corp? , led by Philip Clare and Stephanie Brown .

Leigh and Paul Caven, former owners of Leigh’s Nurseries, said: “After nearly 20 years at Leigh’s Nurseries, we decided the time was right to spend more time with our family. We met Kids Planet and instantly there was a connection. We chose them as by far the best fit to move forward with our wonderful staff and home from home nurseries.

“We hadn’t sold a business before, so it was very important that we got the right team to help us. UNW came recommended by various people whom we trust. From the initial meeting a year ago, through to the recent completion, UNW thoughtfully steered and supported us towards reaching our goal. Their advice and support were always available and always welcome. We found them diligent and professional but also friendly and easy to work with. We thank the team at UNW for helping us achieve such an outstanding result.”

Nick Broadhead, Corporate Finance Partner at UNW, said: “We are delighted to have supported Leigh and Paul on the sale of their business. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the couple to realise two decades’ worth of work and maximise the value they had created.”

Stephanie Brown, Partner at Muckle, said: “Leigh’s Nurseries is a fantastic local business, and it was a pleasure working with Leigh and Paul on the deal.”