Lancashire nursery group changes hands

Lancashire nursery group Manor Day Nurseries has been acquired by early years provider Storal for an undisclosed sum.

Established in 2013 by Laura Ward and Annemarie Capper, the group operates Gelston Manor Day Nursery in Chorley and Little Manor Day Nursery in Adlington, with capacity for 136 children.

The business has been led for more than a decade by the founders alongside fellow directors Neil Ward and Simon Capper.

Storal said the acquisition will strengthen its presence in the North West, with the group now operating 59 settings across England.

The deal was brokered by specialist business property adviser Christie and Co.

Annemarie Capper of Manor Day Nurseries said: “Building Gelston Manor and Little Manor has been one of the greatest achievements of our lives.

“After more than a decade, it felt like the right moment to hand the reins to a group that shares our values, and we’re confident that Storal will continue to nurture the culture, quality, and community that mean so much to us.”

Sarah Mackenzie, chief executive at Storal, said: “Manor Day Nurseries is a high-quality group with a strong local reputation, and that is a reflection of the team Laura and Annemarie have built over many years.

“What makes this acquisition particularly exciting for us is the potential of both settings, particularly Gelston Manor.”

Sofia Beck, director for childcare and education at Christie and Co, said: “The business attracted strong interest, which is a real testament to the quality of the settings and the teams behind them.”