Dla piper has advised the Sodexo group on its entry into exclusive negotiations to combine its early childhood services with those of the Grandir group

DLA Piper has advised Sodexo Group, the world leader in Quality of Life services, on its entry into exclusive negotiations with the nursery and pre-school group Grandir in order to combine their daycare activities.

Since 2010, Sodexo has built an attractive network of daycare centers in France with Liveli, a major player on the French childcare market, and has gradually expanded into Germany, Spain and India.

Grandir is a leading player in France and a pioneer in the development of the French private childcare market. In recent years, Grandir has expanded internationally and has selectively entered Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.

This partnership would combine Sodexo's early childhood services business with the expertise of a recognized leader in early learning and education to become a global leader in early childhood services.

Following this transaction, which will be subject to consultation with employee representatives, Sodexo will become a minority shareholder in the Grandir group.

Sodexo's counsels:

DLA Piper France, with:

Xavier Norlain (partner), Laurent Asquin (senior associate) and Fadoua Nounnouhi (associate) on corporate aspects;

Edouard Sarrazin (partner) and Clara Deveau (associate) on antitrust aspects;

Jérôme Halphen (partner) and Antoine Boubazine (associate) on employment law aspects;

DLA Piper Spain:

Jose Maria Gil-Robles (partner), Rocio Garcia (senior associate), Luis Gutierrez (associate) on corporate aspects.

DLA Piper Germany:

Nils Krause (partner), Dominik Wegener and Christine Uwase (senior associates) on corporate aspects.