Founded in 2004, Just Childcare has grown to become one of the UK’s largest groups with 62 nurseries.

Phoenix Equity Partners has confirmed that it has sold Just Childcare to Partou, the largest group of nurseries in the Netherlands. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Thanks to the investment of Phoenix Equity Partners, the group has grown from seven establishments in 2014 to 62 establishments, with sites in the North West, Yorkshire and the South West.

Just Childcare now offers more than 4,700 places for early childhood and employs around 1,300 people.

In the Spring 2021 issue of Nursery world‘s Nursery chains, the group was listed as the fifth largest group in the UK with 60 metrics. Last month he added two other nurseriess to his wallet.

On its website, Partou claims to be “the largest childcare organization in the Netherlands” and operates 400 day care centers catering for 26,000 children and employing 3,600 people. It was established in 1984.

Just Childcare said the “new partnership” with Dutch group Partou would provide strategic support for the group to continue its growth in the UK.

David Johnson, CEO of Just Childcare, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have entered into this new partnership with Partou. With a long history of providing childcare services, we look forward to working alongside them to further develop the Just Childcare group in the UK market.

“Phoenix has been a huge supporter over the past six years providing us with the resources and support to significantly develop the group into one of the most recognized suppliers in the UK.

The new partnership with Partou marks the start of the next chapter in the company’s development and we are really excited for the future.

“Having known the Partou team for some time and spoken extensively, it is clear that we share the same philosophy when it comes to childcare and we are all excited to explore the opportunities that our combined knowledge and experience will bring. . “

Barry Robinson, Partner at Phoenix, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support David and Jaqueline on their journey to create one of the country’s leading nursery operators. Just Childcare has experienced fantastic growth and, with the support of Partou, is well positioned to continue fulfilling its mission of providing exceptional childcare services in the UK. We wish the team all the best for the future.

Commenting on the deal, Jeanine Lemmens, CEO of Partou, said: “We are also excited about this partnership and admire what David, Jacqueline and the entire Just Childcare team have achieved over the years.

“This collaboration marks a new chapter in our ambition to provide exceptional childcare services to more children and families. Just Childcare and Partou share the same simple quality principle: “All children deserve only the best. “