Advising Foresight Group on investment in Mulberry Bush Nursery Group

We have advised leading private equity investment manager Foresight Group on its investment in Mulberry Bush Nursery Group, a high-quality nursery operator providing early years education and childcare across Greater Manchester.

Founded in 1990, the Group operates five nursery settings across North Manchester, providing 460 childcare places and employing approximately 200 people. Foresight’s investment provides a succession solution for the existing shareholders and supports the next stage of the business’s growth journey. Alongside the initial investment, Foresight has committed significant capital to help accelerate Mulberry Bush’s long-term development and expansion.

Sophie Clough, Senior Investment Manager at Foresight Group, commented: “Mulberry Bush is a well-established and highly respected nursery group with an impressive track record of providing high-quality childcare across Greater Manchester. The business has strong foundations and a clear opportunity to build scale through both organic growth and acquisitions. We would like to thank the Gateley Legal team for their expertise and support in helping deliver the transaction.”

Gateley Legal advised Foresight on the transaction through a multidisciplinary team led by corporate partners Kate Richards and Rebecca Grisewood, supported by corporate solicitor Harry Davies, banking partner Rick Sealy, banking solicitor Rebecca Lakhani, real estate partner Darren Hughes, real estate legal director Jonathan Burton-Baddeley and tax associate Rachel Palmer.

Kate Richards commented: “Foresight’s investment in Mulberry Bush Nursery Group brings together a highly experienced investor and a well-established childcare operator with significant growth potential. The transaction creates a strong platform for expansion across the North of England. Having worked with Foresight for many years across a range of investments, it was a pleasure to support the team on this transaction. By drawing on expertise from across Gateley, we were able to provide continued support throughout the investment journey.”