M&A Advisory

Clever Clogs

Advisers to nursery group, Clever Clogs, on its acquisition of Little Ladybirds.

The deal

We’re pleased to have acted as lead Corporate Finance adviser to North East childcare group, Clever Clogs, on its acquisition of Little Ladybirds, a children’s day nursery in Stockton.

Andrea Townsley founded Clever Clogs Belmont and Clever Clogs Bowburn in 2007 and 2011, respectively. The group is rated as outstanding by the education regulator Ofsted, with Little Ladybirds becoming the third nursery in the group.

Our Corporate Finance team led by Partner Phil Williams, supported and managed the process. The team initially represented Andrea in 2007 during the launch of the original Clever Clogs site in Belmont.

Phil Williams, Partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “Andrea is a valued client and has become a good friend in the 14 years since we first met. We are delighted to have advised her on this excellent deal and I look forward to supporting her ambitions as her business continues to grow and thrive.”

Andrea Townsley, Founder of Clever Clogs, said: “Without the support and input from the team, this purchase simply would not have happened. They gave me the confidence I needed to ensure that the deal was the right one for me and that I achieved the best result I could in a very competitive market.

“Little Ladybirds is very much like my other nurseries. Purpose-built, in a great location, rated outstanding by Ofsted and with bags of potential, so once I knew it was on the market, I knew it was perfect for me. I am now looking forward to working with the staff team and parents at Little Ladybirds to ensure we continue to offer the highest quality early years education for the children.”

Deal summary

Date:

March 2021

Sector:

Education

Deal type:

Buying a business

Deal size:

Undisclosed

Related team

Phil Williams

Phil Williams

  • Partner
  • Corporate Finance
  • Newcastle Centre