Childcare provider Bright Horizons has acquired Kidsunlimited, which has 64 nurseries and a childcare voucher business.
The acquisition means Bright Horizons will operate more than 200 nurseries across the UK and Ireland.
The transaction officially closed on 10 April 2013 for a cash consideration of £45 million.
Carole Edmond, managing director at Bright Horizons UK and Ireland (pictured), said: “We warmly welcome all Kidsunlimited staff, children, families and [employer] clients to Bright Horizons.
“Our organisations have a shared purpose to provide care and education for the early years, to support the dependant care and employee wellbeing aspirations of our [employer] clients, and to offer our staff the best opportunities for professional development and job satisfaction. We look forward to what the future brings.”
Ros Marshall, chief executive officer at Kidsunlimited, added: “We are delighted to be joining the Bright Horizon’s family.
“[Edmond] and I have worked closely over the past few years, commenting on government policy and helping to shape the standards for childcare and early years education.
“We share a very similar culture, and approach to our nursery business, and our company values underpin a united purpose for our nurseries to provide rich learning and play experiences which empower children to become confident, creative lifelong learners.”
