News

Nord Anglia facing possible takeover

Uncertainty hangs over the immediate future of the UK's biggest nursery operator, Nord Anglia, as its largest shareholder, Principle Capital Partners, decides whether to make a formal bid to take over the company. The Nord Anglia board rejected the indicative cash offer of between 200p and 210p per share last month because it 'significantly' undervalued the company (News, 19 October). It has given Brian Myerson's investment vehicle until 29 November to make a formal offer.

The Nord Anglia board rejected the indicative cash offer of between 200p and 210p per share last month because it 'significantly' undervalued the company (News, 19 October). It has given Brian Myerson's investment vehicle until 29 November to make a formal offer.

Nord Anglia chairman Alan Kelsey said Mr Myerson's initial proposal was subject to 'the effective pre-sale of significant group assets at an indicative valuation which the board believes is unlikely to be obtained'.

A spokesman for Principle Capital Partners declined to comment on speculation that this referred to the Leapfrog nurseries division.

The performance of Nord Anglia's nurseries division appears to be stabilising, despite lower occupancy levels than last year, according to chief executive Andrew Fitzmaurice. He said the outlook for the sector was improving because the market was 'behaving more rationally' - with supply more in line with demand, and the growth in day nursery places slowing.

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