Childcare Network purchases local centers

Childcare Network, a leading provider of early care, preschool, and school-aged programs, announced the[more] acquisition of five child care centers from The Learning Centers of Little Rock, Inc. (“TLC”) effective April 29, 2011. The acquired centers are located in Benton and Bryant.

J.Scott Cotter, President and CEO of Childcare Network said, "TLC represented a unique opportunity to expand our geographic footprint to Arkansas. In addition to acquiring a high quality asset, the TLC schools will provide us with a solid foundation to continue to grow our business in the greater Little Rock area as we seek other attractive acquisition opportunities that meet our specific criteria.”

Drew Bunten, founder of TLC, indicated that Children Network was the right choice for him as he considered the potential sale of the family business that he started over 25 years ago.

Bunten said, “Childcare Network has an outstanding track record of acquiring and integrating independent child care centers into their business. I knew my staff, parents and children would be in good hands.”

Bunten was represented in the transaction by Fred Wood of Cornerstone Business Advisors. Wood stated, “Although the recession had an impact on central Arkansas’ economy, it was not as severe as other areas of the country. As a result, we’re finding that the stability and diversity of this market is attractive to national and regional companies that are looking to expand.”

The acquisition is the Company’s first since July 2008. Over the next several months, the former TLC schools will be branded to Childcare Network as they adopt the company’s HighReach Learning Curriculum along with their other operational policies and procedures.

Childcare Network was founded in 1988 in Columbus, Ga., with the initial acquisition of just two schools. Since that time, the Company has continued to expand through its consistent and disciplined acquisition program. Today, Childcare Network is the fifth largest private child care provider in the United States consisting of over 160 schools in nine southern states with an enrollment of approximately 18,000 children. Childcare Network’s schools are entirely community based, free standing locations that operate five days a week throughout the year. The company is committed to becoming “The Working Parent’s Best Friend” by providing high quality services at an affordable price. The Company’s educational programs are individualized to every age, with planned activities that combine learning and fun with an appropriate mix of teacher lead and child directed activities.

For more information on Childcare Network, visit www.childcarenetwork.net.