Staffordshire-based company, Busy Bees has completed two acquisitions to expand into the US and Italy for the first time.
The childcare giant, and winner of the Queen's Award, has finalised seperate deals to takeover Educational Playcare (Connecticut), and Doremi (Milan).
Educational Playcare, founded 1986, currently operates 19 educational centres throughout Connecticut, and can provide care for up to 4,300 children (offering spaces from the age of six-weeks to five-years, as well as afterschool care for children up to the age of 12).
Doremi, founded in 1993, is a bilingual childcare provider that operates 7 centres in and around Milan, offering places for up to 359 children (providing care for children between the ages of 12-weeks and 6-years old).
Following the acquisitions, Busy Bees now cares for more than 55,000 children around the globe, across 630 sites. The Company's coverage includes centres in the UK and Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, and now in the US and Italy.
Simon Irons, Group CEO of Busy Bees, said:
"For over 35 years, Busy Bees has provided outstanding care for children in local communities across the world. We are pleased to welcome both Educational Playcare and Doremi to the Busy Bees family, and, in doing so, supporting more children, families and staff than ever before."
"These latest acquisitions allow us to enter two new markets in the United States and Italy, strengthening our global portfolio and bringing further talent into the Busy Bees business."
"As part of due diligence, we conducted a thorough review and audit to ensure both childcare groups were aligned to our own vision and values before finalising each acquisition. We are confident that the teams at both Educational Playcare and Doremi will enhance our international capabilities as a leading childcare provider and help us to continue to provide the best possible start in life for the children under our care."
Jane Porterfield, Founder of Educational Playcare, commented:
“After a period of diligent consideration we are very happy that we have chosen the right path for Educational Playcare by partnering with Busy Bees. I see clearly how our mission to deliver the highest quality experience for families, their children and our employees closely aligns with Busy Bees’ core values and excellent reputation for providing high quality care. We are excited that they will build on our success as a quality educational and developmental child care provider with their invaluable support. Both management teams will endeavour to deliver a seamless transition for everyone involved.”
Federica Ortalli, Co-founder of Doremi, added:
“As we consider the future success of the children in our care a key priority, choosing Busy Bees as our new partner was a logical and straightforward decision for us. We are proud to be working with Busy Bees given its industry-renowned reputation for excellent quality child care, which is synonymous with our own forward-thinking approach. Over the coming months, we look forward to forging a close working relationship with the Busy Bees team and welcome their support and guidance as we embark on this journey together.”
For more information on Busy Bees Childcare, please click here.
Edited by Josh Heath