Childcare company Brightstart uses £3.7m funding to acquire Liverpool nursery business

Brightstart Day Nursery Group has expanded in Merseyside with the multi-million pound acquisition of Orchard Day Nursery (Liverpool) Ltd.

Brightstart snapped up the Huyton-based nursery with the support of a £3.7m loan from Barclays.

Following the deal, the firm’s portfolio now comprises five nurseries across the North, including Happy Tots Day Nursery in Barrow-in-Furness, Chrysalis Day Nursery in Cheshire and First Steps Day Nursery in Bury.

In total, Brightstart’s nursery businesses offer more than 500 childcare places.

Clive Barratt, the managing director of Brightstart Day Nursery Group, took over his first day nursery with his wife, Diane, in 2008.

Commenting on their latest acquisition, Clive said: “There’s a need for parents to find nurseries that not only offer a great environment for their children but are also flexible enough to meet their own needs.

“We are very excited to expand our Group into Liverpool - securing jobs for the local economy and vital childcare places to support families in the area.”

He added: “Our aim is to continue expanding the business over the next few years with the continued support of Barclays, who are in integral part of our future growth plans.”

Lois Cooper, a relationship director with Barclays, arranged the deal, while Greater Manchester law firm Pearson Solicitors advised Brightstart.

Lois commented: “It is essential we support businesses like Brightstart which are vital for a prosperous local economy.

“Childcare remains a growth industry and with this latest acquisition, Clive is proving he has the appetite and confidence to invest and is well positioned for further growth with increased demand for quality childcare places.”