Staff shortages impact marketability because buyers want certainty about schedules, continuity, and the quality of childcare. A stable team, clear planning, and realistic deployment of flexible capacity reduce the risk of cancellations or limited placements. A clear approach to recruitment and retention can therefore be a positive factor.
Selling or acquiring a daycare center? Make the right choices with a specialist.
Selling a daycare center is often a major decision that requires guidance from an advisor who understands the dynamics of childcare. Are you considering selling your daycare center or acquiring another? Then it's important to work with someone familiar with the market and the latest policy developments. With proper preparation, you'll maintain an overview and prevent crucial issues from emerging late in the process.
Our specialists have successfully guided numerous projects within the childcare sector. By understanding how buyers view childcare organizations, entrepreneurs can better manage the most important aspects of a project. We know the active players in the market, allowing us to guide you toward the best transaction terms while you maintain control over the entire process.
Deals
1000+ entrepreneurs
successfully guided
Monkey Donky expands further with the acquisition of De Hunzeborgh
Monkey Donky is further expanding its operations in Groningen with the acquisition of De Hunzeborgh daycare center. This expansion brings Monkey Donky to seven locations in the region, strengthening its position as a leading provider of high-quality childcare. The acquisition aligns seamlessly with Monkey Donky's growth strategy to further expand its service offerings and serve parents even better.
Market update: what trends and opportunities are there in childcare?
The childcare sector has undergone changes in recent years due to staff shortages, higher parental expectations, and developments in policy and supervision. The following trends are currently playing a key role in developments in the childcare market:
Professionalization and quality assurance
The focus on quality and demonstrable professionalism is increasing within childcare. Organizations are investing in pedagogical policies, training, and consistent working methods to ensure quality. This offers entrepreneurs opportunities to position themselves more clearly and improve the transferability of their organization. Clear processes, well-documented agreements, and demonstrable quality controls often make a daycare center easier to explain to buyers.
Scaling up and regional cooperation
Economies of scale are evident in childcare, with locations merging within larger organizations or collaborating regionally. This can offer advantages such as a shared back office, improved staff planning, and greater staffing stability. For entrepreneurs considering selling a daycare center, this can generate increased interest from businesses looking to expand. At the same time, it can create opportunities to strengthen the organization through collaboration before making a sale.
Changing expectations of parents
Parents increasingly expect flexibility, clear communication, and transparency regarding daily childcare. Issues such as safety, development, and parental involvement also play a greater role in choosing a childcare location. Organizations that are consistent and well-organized in this regard generally build stronger client relationships. In addition to service, predictability is also becoming more important, for example, in opening hours, staffing information, and team continuity.
What do these developments mean for entrepreneurs with a daycare center?
These developments mean that a sell daycare center Making timely choices about quality, organization, and portability will be easier. It helps to clearly define your desired market position and the steps needed to achieve your goals. Consider the following questions:
Do you want to grow? Investing in workforce planning, expanding capacity, or collaborating with other parties can contribute to stability and growth.
Are you ready to sell? The move towards scaling up can offer opportunities to transfer your daycare centre to a suitable party.
Do you want to strengthen your position? By working on quality, communication and consistent processes, you can make your organization more future-proof.
Whether you're considering growth, selling your daycare center, or further developing your organization, insight into market trends helps inform your decisions. Childcare offers opportunities for entrepreneurs who maintain high quality and think ahead about their organization and staff. A well-organized preparation provides a clear overview and prevents operational pressure from dictating the sales process.
Why is sector-specific expertise relevant for daycare centers?
Sector-specific expertise is of great value to childcare centres, as this market is characterised by strict regulations, high quality standards and continuous developments. Arno Dielesen and Iris Roozenburg combine their specialization in mergers and acquisitions with years of entrepreneurial experience in the childcare sector.
In addition, Match Plan has been an official partner of Kinderopvangtotaal, the leading platform for childcare professionals, since 2023. This partnership allows us to continuously deepen our sector knowledge and maintain close connections with entrepreneurs and other key players in the sector.
What challenges and concerns do childcare entrepreneurs face?
During acquisitions or sales, childcare businesses primarily face staff shortages, quality requirements, and staff continuity. While the sector offers opportunities, a transaction requires thorough preparation to ensure the organization is easily transferred. A careful approach helps mitigate risks and ensure buyers' questions are answered promptly and comprehensively.
Challenges in the sector
Staff shortages
: The availability of qualified employees is a structural challenge. Organizations that struggle to maintain schedules are at greater risk of instability and fluctuating staffing levels.
Legal and quality frameworks
: Childcare organizations must comply with regulations, inspections, and quality requirements. Inadequate documentation of policies, procedures, or records can raise additional questions during a sales process.
Occupancy rate and planning
: Occupancy rates and the predictability of inflows are key to stability. Fluctuations in occupancy or dependence on a few large contracts require explanation and justification.
Continuity towards parents
: Parents value familiar faces and clear communication. Changes in the team or policy can impact trust and the stability of the location.
Points to consider when buying or selling a daycare center
Positioning and offering
: A clear proposition and transparent communication about childcare options increase the appeal to buyers. This can be achieved, for example, through a sharp profile, fixed opening hours, and a consistent pedagogical approach.
Processes and organization
: Effective processes for planning, intake, communication, and quality assurance make the organization more manageable. This helps keep daily operations predictable and increases transferability.
Team and dependencies
: Buyers look at the team's stability and the extent to which knowledge and responsibilities are shared. Clear division of roles and less reliance on a single person provide greater security.
Risk management
: Limiting dependence on a limited number of customers, partners, or locations contributes to stability. A broader base makes the organization more robust and attractive to buyers.
Transfer plan
: A detailed communication and transition plan for parents and staff increases the likelihood of a smooth transaction. It helps manage expectations and make agreements practical.
With the right preparation, these childcare challenges can be turned into opportunities for growth or a careful sale. Whether you're considering selling your daycare center, a location to take over or strengthen your organization, a strategic approach helps keep the process manageable. Contact us for professional advice and tailored guidance.
Full support with the purchase or sale of your daycare center
Full support for the purchase or sale of your daycare center means you'll receive support every step of the way, from preparation to completion. A takeover or sale process is often complex and requires clear decisions and structured planning. With the right guidance, you'll maintain an overview and be able to make decisions based on facts and peace of mind.
From determining starting points and preparing documentation and valuation to approaching suitable buyers or sellers and guiding negotiations: we put your interests first. The aim is for you to work towards clear agreements and a careful transfer, without compromising your daily care.
Curious about your options? Contact us for a free consultation.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions: Selling a Daycare Center
How does staff shortages affect the marketability of my daycare center?
When is the ideal time to sell my daycare center?
The ideal time to sell your daycare center is when the organization is stable, staffing is adequate, and processes are well-established. The right time also depends on your personal goals and the extent to which you are still operationally involved. Good preparation helps you choose the right timing for your situation.
What happens to staff when a daycare center is sold?
When selling a daycare center, staff often remain on staff, as continuity is essential for parents and children. Buyers value a stable team and clear agreements regarding transfers. Therefore, careful communication with staff is a key part of the process.
What documents are required for a sales process in childcare?
Financial figures, contracts, personnel information, and documents related to quality and inspections are important during a sales process. Buyers want insight into processes, staffing, and regulatory compliance. Properly preparing this information prevents surprises during the sale. due diligence.
How does Match Plan assist entrepreneurs in selling a daycare center?
Match Plan guides entrepreneurs through the process of selling a daycare center by structuring the process and supporting you step-by-step through preparation, appraisals, and discussions with interested parties. As independent advisors, we always work in your best interest.
Meet our sector specialists without any obligation.
Contact
Please fill in your contact details and we will contact you as soon as possible.
"""*"" indicates required fields
Telephone
Would you prefer to contact us directly by telephone?
Then you can call +31 85 013 00 75.
- Over 30 years of experience
- 100% independent advice
- 1000+ entrepreneurs guided
No obligation Advice
Over 30 years of experience
Please feel free to contact us
advisors for an introduction.
✔ Business sale
✔ Company takeover
✔ Acquisition financing
✔ Independent assessment