Kids Planet

We first invested in Cheshire-based nursery business Kids Planet in 2016, providing the funds required to roll-out its nurseries across the North of England. We later made a series of follow-on investments, to fund further expansion across the country.​

Alongside our investment, we also:

• Introduced the company to its Non-Executive Chair, Mark McMenemy (formerly of Mothercare, Monsoon and WHSmith)
• Supported with the appointment of a Finance Director
• Assisted with PR, to boost the company’s media presence
• Helped the business access additional funding from Barclays and Clydesdale

Accelerated by growth capital and support from our team, Kids Planet pursued an organic and acquisitive growth strategy, successfully acquiring several other nursery groups (including Springfield Day Nurseries, Fledglings and Kids Allowed).

Within five years of our initial investment, Kids Planet had grown from 17 to 84 locations, strengthened its management team, secured additional funding, and increased profits from £3.5m to £14.5m.

In 2021, the business was acquired by Fremman Capital, a pan-European, mid-market investment firm — delivering strong returns. As part of the deal, we re-invested in Kids Planet, alongside Fremman.

Hear more about the company’s growth journey from Founder & CEO Clare Roberts below: