Completed sale
5Fostering Childcare Company Was Acquired by Karen Hardaker and Rebecca Nicholls | Transaction Overview
Knightsbridge Senior Deal Executive Ben Hunt helped to find a new home for a fostering agency… Our client, recognised as ‘5Fostering’, is a well-respected independent fostering agency that works with over 50 local authorities, and consistently gains a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. The agency is based in East Sussex, and founded by husband-and-wife team Katie and Rob Edworthy. 5Fostering was formed in 2012, and has since established itself as a personable and professional provider of local support and training for foster carers. Ben Hunt, Knightsbridge Senior Deal Executive, explained: “The Edworthys have been looking to facilitate their retirements, but wanted to ensure that the business is left in the hands of a buyer who can ensure the continued support and growth. “A full research process throughout the fostering and care industry was undertaken. We received interest from 115 parties, arranged 14 meetings, and received five individual offers from different buyers.” 5Fostering was acquired by Essex-based Karen Hardaker and Rebecca Nicholls. “The buyers are both award-winning carers, and wanted to take the step to run their own fostering agency,” Ben commented. “Their plans are to continue to run the business as is, with long-term goals to increase foster carers and further reach. The Edworthys are happy with this and that we found award-winning foster carers to look after 5Fostering. In doing so, we achieved our clients’ goals. “The relationship with Katie and Rob had been very good throughout the process. There was a loss of a buyer and a change of staffing in the background, but the relationship continued at a high level. “Likewise with Karen and Rebecca, they were very responsive to all requests and assisted us throughout the process where they could, along with swiftly working with myself and the Edworthys for Ofsted changeover details.”