Henry Shinners, one of the joint administrators from the firm Smith and Williamson, said that offers had been accepted subject to contract and the sales could save 165 jobs and more than 700 childcare places.
Of the remaining 11 nurseries, eight are located in Next Generation health and fitness clubs. For 'contractual reasons' they can only be sold as one entity. Mr Shinners said that a major national childcare provider had shown an interest in these facilities but negotiations had foundered.
There was an angry reaction from parents and disappointment among staff at the sudden decision to shut nurseries in York and Chorley, Lancashire, with just a week's notice.
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