European Childcare Sector M&A Report 2026

Cognos European Childcare Sector M&A Report

Prepared by: Cognos Global Partners, the Netherlands. Q3 2026.

Read the full Childcare Sector Report 2026 →

The European childcare sector: structural demand drives continued consolidation

The European childcare sector continues to attract investor interest, supported by structural demand, policy initiatives and rising labour-market participation. However, workforce constraints and affordability pressures remain key considerations, while market attractiveness and consolidation dynamics vary significantly across regions.

Childcare market dynamics, M&A activity and strategic insights

Our European Childcare Sector Report 2026 examines the evolving market landscape and the role of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in shaping the sector. Drawing on more than 500 publicly identifiable childcare transactions across Europe between 2020 and 2025, selected from a screening of over 1,000 education, care and childcare-related deals, the report analyses leading buyers, transaction trends and emerging consolidation markets.

The report explores the drivers of private equity investment, regional differences in M&A maturity, and the branding strategies adopted by multi-brand childcare platforms as they scale. It also examines European childcare valuations, private-market regional benchmarks and illustrative valuation frameworks, supported by relevant transaction case studies.

Explore the full report for an in-depth analysis of the investment landscape, consolidation opportunities and strategic considerations shaping European childcare.

Cognos Global Partners has a proven track record in the childcare sector. 

Please get in touch to find out more or request our buy-side and sell-side transactions in this sector. You can view our Childcare specialist Partners below.