Multi-Site Early Education School Sold in Florida
HINGE Early Education Advisors is pleased to announce the sale of a thriving multi-site early education business, along with its real estate, in one of the fastest-growing areas of Florida. With interest from a range of buyers, the sellers relied on HINGE’s team to run a competitive process and secure a deal that reflected the true worth of their schools and property.
“Marketing the business and real estate together — while maintaining confidentiality — took the school’s value to the next level,” says HINGE Transaction Advisor Laurie Denny, who led the transaction on behalf of the sellers.
She explains that bundling the assets strengthened the draw of an already appealing school and set the sellers up for the exit they desired.
A Clean Exit
Looking to retire from the early education space, the sellers wanted a clean exit. Their high-quality programs, highly trained staff, outstanding facilities, and location made the organization particularly attractive for buyers seeking a turnkey operation with full control of both the business and its real estate. This would allow the sellers to step away completely following a single transaction.
Running a Confidential, Competitive Process
HINGE Transaction Advisor Laurie Denny, Financial Analyst Marnie Rhen, and Diligence Manager Melissa Davis supported the sellers from pre-listing through closing.
HINGE guided the selling process from start to finish without disrupting day-to-day operations — beginning with an ECE-specific valuation to set a realistic baseline for what the school would likely command in today’s market, followed by a confidential marketing effort to a tailored list of compatible buyers.
The opportunity drew strong interest from multiple buyers. Backed by a track record of closing more ECE transactions than any other advisor in the industry and gaining more than $1 billion for childcare sellers, HINGE negotiated terms on competitive offers, enabling the sellers to maximize the sale price with a well-suited successor.
From valuation through diligence and closing, the sellers were supported by HINGE’s early education transaction experts. Alongside Laurie’s leadership, the team included Financial Analyst Marnie Rhen and Diligence Manager Melissa Davis.
Why Florida Is a Seller’s Market for Childcare Owners
As early education buyers remain eager to acquire schools in key locations across the United States, Florida is a particularly attractive market for school sellers. Beyond population growth and steady demand for childcare, the state offers built-in mechanisms that support stable enrollment and profitability, including:
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) vouchers that cover free Pre-K for residents at private or public providers of a family’s choosing
Property tax exemptions available to Gold Seal Certified childcare facilities, which lower the ongoing cost of ownership for qualifying operators
Together, these programs give buyers added confidence in enrollment stability, revenue predictability, and the long-term economics of school ownership.
“As a proud Floridian myself, I’ve worked for ECE sellers across the state and around the country. The market dynamics in Florida are extremely favorable for operators and buyers,” Laurie adds. “Knowing the ins and outs that affect the business of childcare in each market is a huge advantage when it comes to positioning sellers for the outcome they deserve.”
Selling a Childcare Center in Florida
Florida continues to be a magnet for childcare buyers and investors, especially for early education schools that:
Are located in a major metro area
Have high-capacity single locations or multiple locations
Generate $2 million+ annually
Schools that come to market well-positioned with healthy financials and a clear strategy are attracting significant competition. When paired with the right guidance and preparation, this demand becomes a solid source of leverage.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
HINGE Advisors specializes in helping childcare and early education owners navigate the sale of their schools and real estate — from upfront strategy, timing, and planning considerations through confidential marketing, negotiations, due diligence, and closing.
If you own a premium childcare or preschool and are interested in learning more about a potential exit, contact our team confidentially to explore your options!