Nursery World - The rise and fall of Jigsaw

1991 The nursery chain is set up 1998 Venture capitalists 3i take a controlling stake by funding a management buyout to the tune of 14m

1998 Venture capitalists 3i take a controlling stake by funding a management buyout to the tune of 14m

2000 Borrows a further 4.5m from 3i at punitive rates of interest.

Expresses an interest in setting up 50 nurseries under the Neighbourhood Nurseries Scheme

2001 By the end of the year 3i is reported to have invested a further Pounds 20m on top of its original stake

2002 The year that former chief executive Tom Shea said Jigsaw would float on the stock market, despite its losses, but said it was 'an aspiration, not a deadline'

2003 In the summer Jigsaw lies fourth in the Nursery Chains' league table with 3,768 places in 36 nurseries; by the winter it has dropped to fifth.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included