Specialist business property advisor, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Ducklings Day Nursery in Liverpool. Funding for the purchase was sourced through commercial finance specialist, Christie Finance.

Established in 2004 by Neil and Carol Butler, Ducklings Day Nursery is a welcoming ‘home from home’ setting with an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating, offering a high-quality provision for up to 26 children aged zero to five years. It is located in West Derby, an affluent suburb of Liverpool, and attracts a mix of local and commuting parents.

Having previously owned two other settings, both of which have been sold separately, the sale of this Liverpool nursery marks Neil and Carol’s move into early retirement from the sector.

Following a confidential sales process, the nursery has been purchased by first-time buyer, Justine Gilbert.

Previous owners Carol and Neil Butler said: “We have had a longstanding and positive relationship with Christie & Co, and we were delighted they were able to find a buyer like Justine for us. She is an equally passionate childcare professional and we couldn’t wish for anyone better to take the nursery into its next chapter.”

Sofia Beck, director, Childcare & Education at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, stated: “We have been in touch with Neil and Carol for several years and have been happy to assist them with their exit plan, previously selling two of their other settings and now selling the final nursery of the group. I know this nursery was particularly special to Neil and Carol and they were comforted to have found a buyer like Justine as she shares a similar ethos and plans to be very hands on. I’m sure that Justine will make an excellent day nursery operator based on the clear passion she has for childcare and her years of experience working in the sector. I wish both parties all the best for 2023 and beyond!”

Emma Vanson, finance consultant at Christie Finance, who sourced funding for the buyer, commented: “It was a pleasure to assist first-time buyer, Justine, in the purchase of her first nursery. Justine is an experienced early years professional who had been searching for the right nursery for many years before finding Ducklings which fitted in with her ethos perfectly. We were able to achieve a 65 per cent loan to value with a competitive interest rate. This shows the funding market is still competitive in current times for experienced first-time buyers. I wish Justine the best of luck with Ducklings, and I am looking forward to seeing what she achieves.”

Ducklings Day Nursery was sold for an undisclosed price.