A leading provider of workplace nurseries in the US has entered the UK market by acquiring a London-based nursery chain.
Bright Horizons Family Solutions runs nurseries for 15 per cent of the US Fortune 500 companies, and will target Britain’s leading employers to provide childcare for their staff.
The company has acquired Nurseryworks, which operates nine company nurseries in the capital for clients such as Sainsbury’s, Chase Manhattan Bank, UBS Warburg and JP Morgan.
Nurseryworks founder Susan Hay said Bright Horizons’ investment will allow it to expand its activities. Speaking at a gathering at the US Ambasador’s residence she said the company has seen a surge in demand for workplace childcare since Christmas, but has not had the capacity to take on new clients.
Bright Horizons’ president and CEO Roger Brown said it will initially provide childcare to the UK arms of US companies that are already its customers. “This move will enable us to meet the needs of US and international clients who are increasingly looking to offer work childcare centres at their oversees facilities.
“In addition we are now well positioned to expand our client offerings to Europe’s business leaders with the strength, experience and reputation of one of the top quality childcare leaders in the UK market in our team,” Brown said.
