Affinity confirms first acquisitions since pre COVID-19 as it expands in NSW

Affinity Education Group has confirmed that it has acquired and settled five early childhood education and care centres in New South Wales in the first move by the Group to increase its network since before the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Tim Hickey, CEO said, “We are thrilled to welcome these five new services to the Group. It’s very exciting to be in a position to expand our network again after the challenges we faced last year.”

Four of the centres are located in Sydney’s north western corridor in the suburbs of Baulkham Hills, Bella Vista and Carlingford and have combined license places of 328 consisting of two rated meeting the National Quality Standard, one rated exceeding and one rated working towards. 

“We love what’s already on offer at those four centres, and we can now add to that with our Affinity training and programs. This will take it to the next level for our families, and importantly, really empower our newest team members,” said Mr Hickey.

Area Manager Casey Gleeson, who accepted the offer to transfer her enrolment to Affinity Education, said the entire team of more than 80 including Centre Managers, educators and teachers were excited to ‘join the Affinity community’.

“We can’t wait to see where this new chapter takes us – everyone we have met and worked alongside so far has been so welcoming, helpful and supportive,” Ms Gleeson said. 

Previously trading under the Atlas and Giggles brands the centres were purchased privately with consideration details of the transaction not disclosed. 

In addition to these acquisitions Affinity has acquired a fifth centre in Woy Woy on the Central Coast which was also privately owned. This centre has now rebranded and become part of the Affinity network. 

“Our newly rebranded Milestones Early Learning Umina centre is located just seven minutes from Aussie Kindies Woy Woy, one of our most loved and best performing centres in New South Wales, so we are thrilled to now offer our quality early education and care to more families in that area,” Mr Hickey said.

The purchases will now take the Affinity network to just over 150 long day care services.