Goodstart Merge Results with a Big Fat Smile

On 19 May 2020, Goodstart Early Learning (Goodstart) published a media release confirming a Merger Agreement with Big Fat Smile had been signed and is expected to be finalised by the end of June 2020. Under the agreement, it is proposed that Big Fat Smile will continue to operate independently with the support of Goodstart.

In a statement from Jenni Hutchins (CEO, Big Fat Smile), she confirmed that over the past year it had become increasingly difficult to maintain financial sustainability. This is likely a result of increasingly challenging trading conditions for the broader child care market. Accordingly, in order to ensure the longevity of the Big Fat Smile organisation and maintain the level of care and education within the 41 centres operated, this decision had been reached.

Jenni Hutchins further confirmed that talks with Goodstart had been ongoing for many months and that the fact Goodstart had demonstrated that a not-for-profit enterprise can be both financially sustainable and true to their social purpose had played a large part in the agreement being reached.

The merger will see the number of centres owner by Goodstart increase to in excess of 700 and also secures the future of the Big Fat Smile operated centres.