/
/
/
Sale of established childcare business to an employee ownership trust (EOT)

Sale of established childcare business to an employee ownership trust (EOT)

Sophie Protheroe
September 21, 2026
11:09 am

Sophie Protheroe, Senior Solicitor in Herrington Carmichael’s Corporate team, advised the founders of Dimples Day Nursery Limited, a well-established childcare and early years education provider in Kent, on the sale of the company to an Employee Ownership Trust.

Sophie led the legal aspects of the transaction, which included guiding the founders on structure and preparing the necessary transaction documents to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership while meeting the commercial objectives and statutory requirements of the EOT regime.

With a committed workforce, the founders are keen to protect the culture and values that underpin the nursery’s success. Transitioning to employee ownership enables staff to share in the future growth of the business and supports its continued development and long-term stability.

“Transitioning our much-loved business to an EOT was something that my two daughters and I had deliberated over for many, many months. After much consideration, the decision was made to proceed and our accountant introduced us to Sophie. From our first meeting she was reassuring, professional, clear, concise and efficient. She guided us through a long and, at times, complicated process with kindness and competence. When you have worked so hard establishing a business it is more than just a company and Sophie managed the procedure with kindness and sensitivity. Thank you Sophie, we truly appreciate all your hard work.”

– Sandra Roles

Herrington Carmichael team was led by Sophie Protheroe, Senior Solicitor.

This reflects the law and market position at the date of publication and is written as a general guide. It does not contain legal advice, which should be sought in relation to a specific matter.

Authors

Sophie Protheroe PNG
Sophie Protheroe
Senior Solicitor
0118 989 9708
sophie.protheroe@hc.law

Want to read more?

Explore our latest insights.

Related posts

AdobeStock_601348375
The Autumn Budget 2026 included a number of welcome changes to the UK’s tax-advantaged employee share schemes. For growing businesses…
Female engineer with laptop inspecting water drainage in test tube, collecting sample for research or inspection of the ecosystem and study of nature from an industrial factory into the sea
Environmental, social and governance considerations have become a central part of industrial M&A. Buyers are now expected to look beyond…
AdobeStock_1054437595
A lender may be certain, commercially, that a borrower’s circumstances have deteriorated. West One Loan Ltd v Okroyan [2026] EWHC…