Shares in business services provider Christie Group plc (LON:CTG) ticked higher as it continues to advance in the childcare sector, brokering another big deal.
Christie & Co, the group's advisory services arm, was involved with the sale of Bush Babies Children's Nurseries Ltd to Busy Bees Childcare - a leading childcare operator.
Bush Babies caters for more than 435 children across seven sites in Leicestershire. Busy Bees has over 230 nurseries across the UK.
"The sale further demonstrates Christie & Co's increasing presence in the sector. With the largest dedicated team of childcare business property agents in Europe, it has advised on nursery assets with a value of £733.6m in the last 12 months," Christie said in the regulatory statement.
Former managing director at Bush Babies Children's Nurseries Ltd Jane Brailsford added: "It was not an easy decision to sell my business, as this was a huge personal achievement, but working with Christie & Co has made the transition easier.
"Their support and knowledge in this sector is second to none, and they have been there every step of the way, from the initial decision to sell, to the day of the handover."
Christie splits into two distinct operations. Professional Business Services (PBS) comprises Christie & Co, an adviser to the hospitality, leisure, retail and care sectors, Christie Finance, Christie Insurance and business appraisal firm Pinders.
It also has a Stock and Inventory Systems & Services (SISS) division.
Shares added 1.49% to 102.50p.