A DAY nursery on the outskirts of Ellesmere Port has been sold for an undisclosed amount.

Business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Hooton Childcare.

Funding for the purchase was sourced through commercial finance specialist, Christie Finance.

Established in 1989 by its previous owners, Mike and Helen Walter, Hooton Childcare is a day nursery with effective operating capacity for 73 children and 22 ‘out of school’ places, offering a high-quality provision for ages 0-11-years.

The nursery sits in a Victorian former farmhouse property, boasting an impressive outdoor learning environment.

Mr and Mrs Walter decided to sell to pursue a well-earned retirement.

Mr Walter said: “We decided the time had come to think of retiring. It was always going to be difficult for us to ‘let go’ of a business we had started in our 20s, that had been such a huge part of our lives and was always more than just a business to us – it was like an extended family, and we needed to know that what we did was not only the best for us as a family, but protected our long serving and much appreciated staff."

Hooton Childcare has been purchased by childcare ‘preschool and out of school’ club operator, S4YC Limited. Speaking on behalf of the company, managing director, David James, said: “We are delighted to add Hooton Childcare into our family of settings, as this is our first independent nursery it is a very exciting time for S4YC.

"We would like to thank Mike and Helen for their commitment over the last 30 years and look to expanding the nursery brand and continuing the outstanding work that has gone before us.”

Sofia Beck, Associate Director at Christie & Co, comments, “I first met with Mike and Helen in 2016 and, after keeping in touch over the years, was pleased to assist them with their sale and exit plan. I know it wasn’t an easy decision for them to sell the nursery, but I hope the pair can now enjoy a well-deserved break and spend more time with family and loved ones.

“I wish David and S4YC Childcare lots of luck with their new addition. Hooton is the first private day nursery for the group and I’m sure the first of many!”

John Mitchell, Christie Finance, managing director, said: “It was great to be able to support David and Marc of S4YC Limited in acquiring their first freehold nursery.

"They are highly experienced childcare providers who are looking to establish a portfolio of nursery settings using their innovative ideas to enhance the overall childcare experience for the children and their parents."

Hooton Childcare was sold at an undisclosed price.