Storal Acquires Children 1st, Boosting Nursery Network
Deal News | Nov 07, 2024 | Graphite Capital Management

Graphite Capital Management's portfolio company, Storal, an established operator of nurseries and pre-schools across England, has successfully acquired Children 1st, a reputable nursery group noted for its exceptional quality. This acquisition is a strategic move that significantly enhances Storal's market position, making it one of the largest and most acclaimed nursery groups in the UK, with a capacity of over 5,000 places distributed across 53 nurseries. Despite this growth, Storal remains committed to supporting its team members and ensuring that its services remain community-focused, delivering authentic experiences to families and children.
Sectors
- Education Services
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – Storal operates nurseries and pre-schools across England, and the acquisition of Children 1st, a UK-based nursery group, further consolidates its presence in the UK.
Industry
- Education Services – This industry classification is relevant due to Storal and Children 1st being involved in the operation of nurseries and pre-schools, which are key components of early childhood education.
- Private Equity – Graphite Capital is a private equity firm managing investments in portfolio companies like Storal, highlighting the role of financial investment in strategic industry acquisitions.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storal | Acquirer | Company | A portfolio company of Graphite Capital, Storal operates nurseries and pre-schools across England and is expanding its network through strategic acquisitions. |
| Children 1st | Target | Company | A high-quality nursery group in the UK sector, recognized for its exceptional service standards and conducive learning environments for children. |
| Graphite Capital Management | Private Equity Firm | Company | An investment firm that manages and supports portfolio companies, such as Storal, facilitating strategic growth through acquisitions. |