Sell Your Childcare Centre

We are expanding our network of Early Learning Centres (ELCs)  

We operate over 180 childcare centres across Australia with a strong presence in metropolitan areas including Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and major regional cities such as Albury / Wodonga and Newcastle.  

Our growth over the past decade has been driven by a combination of strategic acquisitions and new centre developments. We’re actively seeking further opportunities to expand our network and welcome discussions with centre owners and operators who are considering a sale.   

Thinking About Selling Your Centre or Group?  

We are a well-regarded and commercially minded operator with strong, long-standing relationships with landlords, business owners, and industry partners. If you’re looking for a reputable partner that can offer a supportive and seamless transition for your childcare centre, team, children, and families, we’d love to speak with you.  

We have a proven track record of making timely, confidential decisions and progressing swiftly to settlement.  

Why Partner with us?  

• High Standards: 94% of our centres are rated ‘Meeting’ or ‘Exceeding’ under the National Quality Standard (NQS) – ranking us above all other major long day care providers in key Quality Standards.  

• Experienced Operator: We focus on delivering quality education and care with a strong culture of support for our teams and families.  

• Commercial and Flexible: We are well-funded, able to act quickly, and open to flexible transaction structures.  

• Respectful Transition: We work collaboratively with outgoing owners and their team to ensure a smooth integration into the Guardian network.  

What We’re Looking For  

We are interested in leasehold operating businesses ranging from single ELCs to portfolios of between 2 – 15 ELCs.  

Ideally, the ELCs will comprise:  

• 70+ licensed places  

• Occupancy above 70%  

• Locations on the east coast of Australia, in or near major cities  

• A reputation for quality and strong community engagement  

• An NQS rating of ‘Meeting’ or ‘Exceeding’ (‘Working Towards’ may also be considered in a portfolio acquisition)  

• A consistent record of profitability  

Recent Activity  

In the past 12 months, we have:  

• Acquired a portfolio of six operating ELCs  

• Opened nine new ELCs  

We remain an active, trusted participant in the early childhood education and care sector.  

Do not hesitate to contact us should you “Aspire to Be” part of the Guardian family.  

Contact: Matthieu ‘Matt’ Lucas, Head of Acquisitions (M&A) at MLucas@guardian.edu.au