Premium Childcare Center Sold in South Carolina
HINGE Advisors is proud to announce the sale of a best-in-class childcare center in South Carolina. After receiving unsolicited offers from multiple large childcare groups, the school’s founder partnered with HINGE to run a competitive process — and gained more than $1 million in additional value.
Why Early Offers Often Miss the Mark on Value
Like many leaders of high-quality early education centers, the school’s owner was approached by well-known childcare providers looking to acquire new locations. Curious about their options given other commitments demanding their attention, they initially entertained Letters of Intent for the school business and real estate from two interested buyers.
“They were solid offers from strong brands, but neither felt like the right value or the right fit,” the owner shares.
This situation is not uncommon, explains HINGE Transaction Advisor Nan Rikard.
“When buyers come calling, early offers are often influenced by a lack of competitive tension and a desire to move quickly,” shares Nan. “That’s when owners end up selling themselves short.”
The Importance of a Third-Party ECE Valuation
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We provide custom valuations for early education school owners aligned with our buyer base.
Cautious not to undervalue the center they built, the owner tapped the HINGE team to provide a free third-party ECE valuation. This strategic business and real estate assessment valued the school significantly higher than either of the previous offers they received.
HINGE’s confidential valuations follow a proprietary methodology trusted by ECE leaders for decades. These industry-leading valuations take into consideration:
Current and projected financial performance
Enrollment trends
Growth potential
Real estate assets
Market dynamics
Buyer objectives
“Without a clear, objective view of a childcare’s true market value, it’s difficult for owners to know if they’re getting a good deal or leaving real opportunity on the table,” adds Nan.
How a Competitive Childcare Transaction Process Changes Outcomes
Understanding the school’s full potential and realizing the time was right to sell, the owner stepped back and engaged the HINGE team to lead a competitive process and manage the transaction. Rather than rely on early inbound interest, HINGE repositioned the school for the broader market, engaging a wider pool of qualified buyers and investors while maintaining confidentiality.
By introducing structured competition into the process, multiple interested parties were able to evaluate the opportunity simultaneously, creating substantial leverage in both valuation and deal structure.
HINGE ultimately helped the owner gain more than $1 million in additional value compared to the initial offers they received, while also finding the right long-term successor who will further enrich the experience for students, families, and staff.
"The whole process was quick and smooth. HINGE did all the work,” adds the owner. “They know what they're doing, and I couldn’t be more appreciative."
Are Buyers Calling?
Here’s what every ECE owner needs to consider.
If you’re thinking about selling or need to start planning for your own succession, reach out confidentially today.