Supporting the Sale of a Long-Established Family Nursery Business
Client Snapshot
Industry: Childcare / Education
Business Type: Family-owned nursery
Location: UK-based
A well-established nursery business built over 25+ years, with a strong reputation and deep community ties.
The Challenge
The owner was looking to sell her family-run nursery after more than two decades of dedicated service. The business was not only commercially successful but also deeply personal, with strong relationships between staff, children, and families.
A key priority was ensuring:
- Continuity of high-quality care for children
- Fair treatment and protection of employees under TUPE
- Preservation of the business’s goodwill and reputation
The transaction itself involved complex legal considerations, including detailed due diligence and the negotiation of robust contractual protections.
Objectives
- Achieve a successful and commercially sound sale of the nursery
- Ensure employees were protected through the TUPE transfer process
- Safeguard the client’s position with appropriate warranties and indemnities
- Maintain continuity and reassurance for families and staff
Our Approach
We provided comprehensive, hands-on support throughout the transaction, balancing technical legal requirements with the client’s personal priorities:
- Worked closely with the client to understand her concerns around staff welfare and business legacy
- Guided the negotiation of the asset purchase agreement to reflect both commercial and operational needs
- Delivered clear and practical TUPE advice, including employee liability information (ELI) requirements
- Conducted and responded to extensive legal due diligence enquiries
Our advice remained pragmatic and supportive, ensuring the client felt confident at every stage of the process.
Work Delivered
- Drafting and negotiation of the Asset Purchase Agreement
- Preparation of a non-disclosure agreement
- Management of detailed legal due diligence
- TUPE advice, including handling of employee liability information (ELI)
- Assignment of goodwill documentation
- Advice on warranties and indemnities to protect the seller post-completion
Results & Impact
- Successful sale of a long-established nursery business
- Smooth TUPE transfer with employees protected and informed
- Continuity of care for children and reassurance for families
- Strong post-completion protection for the client through well-structured contractual terms
Key Takeaway
Selling a family business requires more than technical expertise — it demands a careful balance of legal protection, commercial strategy, and sensitivity to personal legacy.
Services Used:
Corporate Law · Mergers & Acquisitions · TUPE Advice · Employment Law · Business Sales