Childcare Due Diligence
& Acquisition Advisory for NZ Buyers
Know what you are
really buying
Specialist acquisition advisory services for childcare businesses.
0+
Childcare Acquisition Reviews Across NZ
0
Years Specialist ECE Advisory Experience
0%
Exclusively Focused on Early Childhood Education
What we review:
Compliance & Regulatory Risk
MoE licensing compliance, safety checks/policies/H&S systems, licence transition risks.
Operational Risk
Staffing structures & leadership capability, pay parity obligations, employment documentation.
Centre Environment & Assets
Full onsite inspection, repairs/maintenance/deferred capital spend, condition of building & learning environment.
Business Sustainability
Occupancy & enrolment stability, revenue performance vs. historical reporting, long-term operational vulnerabilities.
"I recently engaged Gavin Hazelden’s consultancy services to assist me with Due Diligence, when I purchased a new centre. Although I have been a childcare centre owner for the last five years, I didn’t feel 100% confident to complete the Due Diligence on my own.
Being a multiple centre owner himself, Gavin was extremely knowledgeable about MOE requirements, Sale and Purchase agreements, leases, financials and market knowledge."
Poppies Kindergarten
Our process
Step 1
Documentation Review
Step 2
Onsite Assessment
Step 3
Acquisition Advisory Report
Step 4
Advisory Consultation
What you get:
Your acquisition advisory report gives you everything you need to make the call with confidence.
Executive summary and investment decision summary
Risk assessment matrix and overall acquisition risk rating
Compliance and operational systems review
Transition risk analysis and growth opportunity review
Remedial action schedule
Purchaser suitability assessment
Transparent, fixed-fee advisory
We believe the cost of good advice should never be a barrier to a well-informed acquisition.
Astute Acquisition Advisory
$4,500 + GST
For services up to 70 licensed spaces
Includes:
Full operational review and onsite inspection
Comprehensive written advisory report
Initial consultation and completion findings meeting
Travel costs additional.
Market & Competitor Analysis add on
Market & Competitor Analysis
$2,100 + GST
Includes:
Local competitor analysis and market positioning review
Pricing comparison and growth potential assessment
Make sure you know what you're really buying
Because childcare is unlike any other business acquisition.
General advisors routinely miss the risks unique to Early Childhood Education. With more than 200 acquisition reviews across New Zealand, we give buyers the confidence to commit, or the clarity to walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is childcare due diligence?
Childcare due diligence is an independent review of a centre's compliance, operations, assets and financial sustainability before you commit to a purchase. It goes beyond a standard business check by assessing risks specific to Early Childhood Education, such as Ministry of Education licensing and pay parity obligations.
How much does childcare acquisition advisory cost in NZ?
Astute Education's core Acquisition Advisory service is a fixed fee of $4,500 + GST for centres up to 70 licensed spaces, covering a full onsite inspection, written report and findings meeting. An optional Market & Competitor Analysis add on is $2,100 + GST, and pricing for services over 70 licensed spaces is available on request.
What does Astute Education check during a due diligence review?
The review covers four areas: compliance and regulatory risk, operational risk including staffing and pay parity, centre environment and assets, and business sustainability. Each is assessed through documentation review and a full onsite inspection.
How long does a childcare acquisition advisory review take?
The process runs in four stages: documentation review, an onsite assessment, preparation of the written advisory report, and a findings consultation meeting, so you have a clear picture before going unconditional.
Is childcare due diligence available across all of New Zealand?
Yes. Astute Education has completed more than 200 childcare acquisition reviews nationwide and works with buyers throughout Aotearoa.
Do I still need a lawyer and accountant if I use Astute Education?
recommends buyers also engage an independent accountant for financial review and a lawyer for lease and legal review, and regularly works alongside both as part of a complete acquisition process.
