Gore & Grimes proud to have advised the owners of Mother Hubbard Childcare on the successful sale of the Group to Tigers Childcare

Gore & Grimes, a leading Irish law firm, is pleased to have advised the owners of Mother Hubbard Childcare on the successful sale of the group to Tigers Childcare. Managing Partner Brian O’Neill and the firm’s expert Corporate team led the transaction.

We congratulate both parties and wish the new owners every success as they continue to develop the Mother Hubbard brand, building on the solid foundations established by its dedicated founders.

This strategic acquisition comes at a time of significant investment and transformation in Ireland’s early years sector. With around 4,600 childcare providers now operating nationwide (Ibec, 2024), the market has become increasingly appealing to investors and growth-focused operators.

In 2025, government funding for early learning and childcare reached €1.37 billion, doubling from its 2020 level (Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, 2024). As of May 2025, the number of children benefiting from government-funded subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme increased by 17% year-on-year (Gov.ie, May 2025).

Additionally, according to the 2022 Census, nearly one-third of children under the age of 15 in Ireland were in some form of childcare (CSO, 2023). As per the latest data, 95% of service providers participate in core funding, with 77% offering the National Childcare Scheme (Pobal, 2023).

The sale of a well-established, community-rooted childcare group like Mother Hubbard reflects the ongoing consolidation within the sector. It also demonstrates the increasing alignment of childcare services with broader strategic and professional standards, a trend that promotes sustainable growth in the sector and delivers quality outcomes for families.

If you are contemplating a sale, acquisition, or investment in the childcare or broader education sector, our Corporate Law team at Gore & Grimes possesses the experience and insight to guide you through every step of the process. Please contact us to discover how we can support your next transaction.