Alexander Knight & Co advises on successful trade sale
We’re proud to have advised on the successful sale of Kids at Heart, a well-established childcare business based in Yorkshire, to a trade buyer.
Led by long-standing client Julie Shaw, Kids at Heart has been delivering high-quality early years education for over two decades. The business has grown to encompass three nursery settings, operating under two limited companies and one sole trader structure.
Over the years, Julie and her team built a trusted reputation for nurturing care, educational excellence, and strong community relationships.
Alexander Knight & Co provided comprehensive financial, tax and strategic advice throughout the transaction process, helping to structure the deal in a way that protected Julie’s interests, maximised value, and ensured a smooth handover to the new owners.
Julie Shaw, founder of Kids at Heart, said:
“After many years building the business, it was the right time to take a step back. I’m incredibly grateful to the team at Alexander Knight & Co for their advice, professionalism and support throughout the sale. They made a complex process feel manageable and helped me achieve a really positive outcome.”
This was a multi-faceted transaction involving multiple entities, regulatory considerations, and detailed due diligence. We’re pleased to have achieved a fruitful and well-earned exit for Julie – one that reflects the legacy she’s built and enables a new chapter for the business under trade ownership.
Supporting owner-managers through every stage
Helping business owners like Julie navigate important transitions is exactly why we do what we do. Whether it’s planning for growth, succession, or sale, our team works closely with clients to provide clear, strategic advice tailored to their goals.
Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:
“We were proud to work alongside Julie on this deal. She’s built a brilliant business with a strong local reputation, and we’re pleased to have supported her in achieving a successful exit. It’s always rewarding to help our clients realise the value they’ve worked so hard to create.”
We wish the new owners of Kids at Heart every success as they take the business forward and we extend our thanks to Julie for her trust and partnership over the years.
