Your Guide to Selling in the Childcare Industry
Contemplating Selling?
If you are the owner of a Canadian childcare centre contemplating leaving the industry, Childventures would welcome the opportunity to discuss your business. As a proudly Canadian company with over 20 years of experience operating high-quality childcare centres, we are passionate about partnering with like-minded operators who share our values. If you’re seeking a straightforward, efficient selling process without the complexities or costs of brokerage fees, we’d be delighted to connect.
Who is Childventures?
Childventures was founded in 2002 by Dr. Walter Heidary who was looking to set his children up for long-term academic success. Unsatisfied with the existing childcares choices, Dr. Heidary collaborated with industry experts to create Childventures, a premium quality, outcome-based program, opening the first centre in Ancaster, Ontario.
Since then, Childventures has grown into a trusted provider of early learning, operating 12 locations across Ontario. We proudly serve over 1,600 families and employ more than 500 dedicated and professional educators. Our expansion has been driven by both the development of new centres and the acquisition of exceptional operators, including Bright Horizons Canada and Mighty Kids.
What Kind of Centres Are We Looking For?
At Childventures, we seek operators who share our unwavering commitment to delivering quality childcare. We value centres with passionate teams of educators and strong reputations within their communities. While our primary focus is on urban areas within Ontario, we’re open to exploring well-established operations in other regions. We consider both CWELCC-enrolled and non-CWELCC centres, as well as single and multi-location operations.
Why Partner with Us?
Childventures has earned a strong reputation as a trusted provider of quality childcare and as a supportive employer. We carefully select partners who align with our values, ensuring a smooth and mutually beneficial transition. Backed by solid capital resources, we have the flexibility to tailor our approach to meet the needs of both parties, moving at a pace that feels right for everyone involved.
We actively work to be employer of choice within the childcare space. We prioritize clear communication with employees joining our team, organically or through acquisition, and provide any necessary training to ensure they feel supported. The Childventures team believes in a culture of kindness which extends to our children, families and amongst each other. Your entire community would be welcomed with open arms as it is our goal to provide a seamless and respectful transition process for all.
How Is Your Business Valued?
The value of a childcare centre is typically determined by a multiple of its normalized net profit over the past few years, accounting for unique circumstances such as the impact of COVID-19. For CWELCC-enrolled centres, valuations are based on provincial funding in lieu of profit. On average, childcare centres sell at a 3-4x multiple.
What Happens Next?
Let’s start a conversation. We’ll begin by sharing a mutual non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure confidentiality. If there’s mutual interest, we’ll request basic information about your business to help determine its valuation. From there, we proceed to a Letter of Intent and, ultimately, a Purchase and Sale Agreement. The process is designed to move at a comfortable pace, allowing both parties ample time for proper due diligence.
To begin the process, please reach out to inquiries@childventures.ca. We look forward to meeting you!