Dubai - Dubai-based education provider Taaleem Holdings has announced the acquisition of a 95% stake in Kids First Group (KFG), a leading nursery operator in the Gulf region, in a strategic move to expand its footprint into early childhood education.
The transaction will be funded through a combination of equity and debt and is expected to close by the fourth quarter of Taaleem’s 2024/25 financial year, subject to regulatory approvals.
KFG operates 34 premium nurseries across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, with a total enrollment of approximately 5,000 children. The group runs multiple well-known brands, including Redwood Montessori Nursery, Willow Children’s Nursery, Odyssey Nursery, Ladybird Nursery, and Children's Oasis Nursery, offering four distinct curricula.
"This acquisition strategically positions Taaleem to expand into the rapidly growing early-learning sector, complementing its existing portfolio of K-12 schools," the company said in a statement.
Taaleem is one of the UAE’s largest premium education providers, with a growing presence across the Emirates and planned expansion into Abu Dhabi’s elite schooling market. The move into the nursery segment reflects the increasing demand for premium early education options across the Gulf region.
The deal is expected to provide immediate earnings accretion, strong cash flow generation, and enhance Taaleem’s value proposition to shareholders. It also strengthens the company’s vertically integrated education model, covering early learning through secondary education.
