A NURSERY group with a site in Knutsford has been sold to a competitor.

Kids Allowed, which runs a nursery opposite the Bentley Garage in Mobberley Road, has sold all eight of its sites across Cheshire and Greater Manchester to Kids Planet.

The expanding group has more than 44 nurseries across the north west and the midlands.

Founded in 2003 by Jennie Johnson MBE after the birth of her second child, the Kids Allowed group has grown to provide childcare to around 2,000 children – boasting an annual turnover in excess of £11 million.

Jennie said: “Having made the emotionally charged decision that selling Kids Allowed was the right thing for myself and my family, interest was phenomenal.

“Ultimately what made the decision easier was selling to a person and company that we genuinely believe will cherish the Kids Allowed legacy, colleagues and children.

“I will watch with pride as what we started in a tiny office in my hometown of Salford flourish going forward into a new and exciting era.”

Clare Roberts, Kids Planet CEO, said: “We’ve made a number of acquisitions in recent years.

“This deal is particularly significant as it brings together two of the most successful nursery groups in the UK, making us the best childcare group for quality, based on Ofsted grades and other industry accolades.

“Kids Allowed is a business we’ve long-admired for its approach and commitment to high-quality care. Both companies were started by working mums when we were faced with the challenge of finding flexible and excellent childcare for our own children.

“We both felt there was an opportunity to improve standards and options in the market. There are so many synergies which has made this acquisition feel like a natural move and we look forward to future success.”

The sale was conducted by specialist business property advisor Christie & Co, in an off-market transaction for an undisclosed sum.