Taaleem to Acquire 95% Stake in Kids First Group, Expanding into Early-Learning Sector
Deal News | Jun 19, 2025 | Zawya
Taaleem Holdings PJSC, a prominent provider of K-12 premium education in the UAE, has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement to secure a 95% stake in Kids First Group Limited (KFG), a leading early-learning education provider in the GCC. This strategic acquisition supports Taaleem's growth into the high-demand early-learning segment and aligns with its disciplined, value-oriented capital deployment. KFG, known for its 34 premium nurseries operational in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, is expected to significantly boost Taaleem's cash flow and earnings. Post-acquisition, KFG will remain a standalone entity within Taaleem and continue to leverage its existing management expertise led by founder Kamil Najjar, who retains a 5% share. The completion of the acquisition is anticipated in Q4 of Taaleem's financial year 2024/25, pending regulatory approvals.
Sectors
- Education
- Private Equity and Investment
Geography
- United Arab Emirates – Taaleem Holdings is based in the UAE, and it is a key region where the target company operates its nurseries.
- GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) – Kids First Group operates in several GCC countries including the UAE and Qatar, making the region central to the transaction.
Industry
- Education – The education industry is at the center of this acquisition, with the transaction involving the sale of a company that operates a significant network of early-learning institutions.
- Private Equity and Investment – The acquisition highlights investment strategies and capital deployment by Taaleem Holdings, showcasing elements of private equity and corporate finance.
Financials
- 95% – Stake in Kids First Group acquired by Taaleem Holdings.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taaleem Holdings PJSC | Bidding Company | Company | A leading provider of K-12 premium education in the UAE, acquiring 95% of Kids First Group to expand into the early-learning sector. |
| Kids First Group Limited | Target Company | Company | A prominent early-learning education provider in the GCC, operating multiple prestigious nursery brands. |
| Kamil Najjar | CEO and Shareholder (5%) | Person | Founder of Kids First Group, responsible for overseeing future growth post-acquisition. |
| People & Baby Group | Selling Company | Company | The entity selling its stake in Kids First Group to Taaleem Holdings. |
| Deloitte Corporate Finance Advisory Limited | Financial Advisor to Taaleem | Company | Provided financial advisory services to Taaleem in the acquisition. |
| Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP | Legal Advisor to Taaleem | Company | Legal firm advising Taaleem Holdings on the transaction. |
| Centerview Partners | Financial Advisor to People & Baby Group | Company | Advised People & Baby Group on the sale of Kids First Group. |
| Linklaters LLP | Legal Advisor to People & Baby Group | Company | Provided legal advisory services to People & Baby Group for the transaction. |