Mothercare 'in €218m toy chain bid'

Two of the UK’s biggest names in children’s retailing could come together, it was reported today.

Babycare retailer Mothercare is said to be considering a potential £150m (€218m) bid for the Early Learning Centre children’s toy chain, the Mail on Sunday newspaper says.

The move would be a major deal for Mothercare following the turnaround of the company since the chain posted losses of £24.8m (€36.1m) in 2003.

Eagle Retail Investments, a consortium of bookshop owner Tim Waterstone, US private equity firm Rhone Capital and publisher DC Thompson originally bought the Early Learning Centre in 2004 for £62m (€90.3m) from venture capitalist 3i.