4-Site Little Learners Preschool Sold in New Jersey
The team at HINGE is thrilled to announce the successful sale of Little Learners – a well-respected preschool with four locations in New Jersey. The schools were sold to international early education provider Busy Bees.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to sell these schools that we love. However, we are confident it is the best move for our children, families, teachers, and staff,” says Milan Patel, co-owner of Little Learners. “As part of a larger organization that’s known as one of the top providers globally, they will have unmatched resources and many more exciting opportunities for growth.”
Milan Patel initially acquired two centers in Rockaway and Budd Lake in 2015 under the guidance of childcare investor Chirag Patel. Together, they expanded the organization by acquiring a school in Elmer with childcare director Camille Banks in 2021 and adding a fourth school in Kenvil with childcare director Laura Enriquez in 2022.
Seizing an Opportunity
“I have invested in many different industries throughout my career, and there’s nothing quite like early learning where your business has a higher purpose. This purpose comes with the responsibility of recognizing a good opportunity when you see it,” says Chirag Patel, who owned, operated, and sold another preschool prior to Little Learners. “When that opportunity means selling, the key is finding an advisor who will keep your school’s values front and center, attract competitive offers from multiple buyers, and broker a deal that helps all parties win. This is exactly why we brought in HINGE Advisors.”
The confidential sale of the schools and their real estate was led by Transaction Advisor Rich Hubschman with support from Transaction Manager Carrie Pergerson, Financial Analyst Rusty Bailey, and Marketing Coordinator Marissa Webster. The HINGE team handled the sale from start to finish, including confidential marketing, due diligence, offer evaluations, contract negotiations, and the transaction closing.
“Our extremely competitive process enabled us to deliver rewarding outcomes all around,” says Hubschman. “Being entrusted to help Little Learners and their owners move onto their next chapters was a privilege. We wish Milan, Chirag, Camille, and Laura all the best in their next ventures and are pleased to have completed another successful transaction with the Busy Bees North America team.”
Supporting Other Childcare Owners
As part of his next endeavor, Chirag Patel has joined the HINGE Advisors team as a Development Specialist. Leaning on more than 15 years of childcare experience, as well as a strong background in acquisitions, investments, real estate, expansion, and consulting, he now helps other childcare owners run profitable businesses and identity appropriate growth and exit strategies.
“I have been following HINGE Advisors for years and have the utmost respect for the many ways they support childcare owners at all stages of business,” adds Chirag. “As part of the team, I’m excited to educate fellow owners about how they can optimize the health of their organizations and what they need to consider when they decide it’s their time to sell.”
If you’re looking to sell your group of schools, reach out to the HINGE team today at info@hingeadvisors.com to see how we can help you gain maximum value for your childcare business and real estate.