Busy Bees Childcare Ltd, the UK’s largest childcare provider, has acquired the TLC nursery group, which operates nine nurseries in the Midlands and South East, taking the number of nurseries now operated by Busy Bees Childcare Ltd to 133.

TLC, founded in 1989, has nurseries based at Nottingham University, Nottingham City Hospital, Milton Keynes Hospital, Hillingdon Hospital, Warwick Hospital, Rugby, Coventry, Watford Hospital and St Albans City Hospital.

This move by acquisition into the public sector and public healthcare markets follows on from the purchase of 88 Leapfrog nurseries earlier this year.

Lynn Woodward, managing director and one of the co-founders of Busy Bees, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to add TLC nurseries to our portfolio. This acquisition demonstrates our confidence in the UK childcare market. Parents demand quality care for their children and, throughout the UK, Busy Bees has established an enviable reputation”.

Barbara Baker, Chief Executive of TLC, said: “We share Busy Bees’ values and approach to childcare. The sector is changing all the time and in many ways it is easier for a large organisation with resources and support to adapt. I very much look forward to joining the Busy Bees group.

Marg Randles, co-founder and director of Busy Bees added: “The acquisition allows us to provide quality Busy Bees care to more children and parents. We have a real commitment to staff and their development and aim to make Busy Bees nurseries the best place for children and a rewarding place to work.”