UK - Rhone Capital exits Early Learning Centre after acquisition by Mothercare

Chelsea Stores, the owner of the Early Learning Centre children's toys retailer, has been acquired by Mothercare for ТЃ85m in cash and shares. The deal represents an exit for Rhone Capital, a private equity player which participated in the consortium that acquired Early Learning Centre in 2004 in a ТЃ62m deal from 3i. Scottish Printing company DC Thompson and Tim Waterstone, founder of Waterstone's book shops were also part of the consortium.