The Corporate Finance team at Hawsons Chartered Accountants has successfully advised Dutch leisure group, 24 Indoor on its recent acquisition of Rascals Party & Play Centre in Preston. This strategic acquisition means that leading European indoor playground brand, Monkey Town, who are operated by 24 Indoor, has secured entry into the UK!
With more than 75 indoor playground across the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and (later this year) Spain, Monkey Town is Europe’s largest and fastest-growing soft play operator. Rascals is a well-established and much-loved soft play center in Central Lancashire, proudly serving local families for over 17 years.
This deal kicks off an exciting expansion plan for 24 Indoor, which aims to make Monkey Town a household name for families across the UK. Scott Sanderson, Managing Partner of Hawsons Chartered Accountants, and Jack Ware, Corporate Finance Director led the transaction, with legal support provided by James Burdekin and Travis Wood of MD Law.
Hawsons provided full buy-side advisory services, including detailed financial and tax due diligence throughout the process. Scott and Jack ensured 24 Indoor had all the insights and confidence needed to proceed with the deal, ensuring the transaction was smooth and transparent from start to finish.
Jack Ware, Corporate Finance Director at Hawsons said:
“It has been a pleasure to work alongside the 24 Indoor team as they expand into the UK. Rascals has a fantastic reputation in Preston and the wider Lancashire community, making it a valuable and strategic addition to Monkey Town’s portfolio.”
Joris Naalden, Director at 24 Indoor stated:
“Hawsons provided top quality transaction services. What notably stood out was the team’s fast and accurate advice, clear financial analysis and pro-active approach”
Peter van Wijk, CEO at 24 Indoor said:
“This acquisition is a major milestone in our UK rollout. Rascals has strong local roots and a loyal customer base, which makes it the perfect launchpad for our brand. Our ambition is to combine the best of what’s already there with the operational excellence and innovation that 24 Indoor is known for.”
We were also pleased to collaborate closely with MD Law, who provided crucial legal support throughout this transaction. Their expertise ensured all legal aspects of the deal were effectively managed, making this a seamless process for everyone involved.
James Burdekin, Partner at MD Law, stated:
“We were pleased to support 24 Indoor on this exciting transaction and work alongside the team at Hawsons. There was excellent collaboration from all parties throughout the process, and we’re delighted to have played a part in helping Monkey Town successfully enter the UK market.”
We are proud to have supported 24 Indoor and Monkey Town on this exciting entry into the UK market and look forward to joining them on this journey.
Pierce Corporate Finance advised the sellers, with legal advice provided by KBL Solicitors.
If you are looking for high-quality Corporate Finance advice, including business acquisition advice such as this, be sure to reach out to our Corporate Finance team. Contact us on 0114 266 7141, or visit us at https://hawsons.2020staging.com/corporate-finance/
Pete Wilmer
Corporate Finance Partner
Pete Wilmer
Corporate Finance Partner