Grandir

About Grandir

Established in 2000 by Jean-Emmanuel Rodocanachi, Grandir Group, operating prominently under the brand Les Petits Chaperons Rouges in France, is a significant force in the early childhood education sector. The founder's journey began after his experiences in the United States, where he observed the corporate childcare model and identified a substantial gap in the French market. This led him to create a business that initially pioneered employer-sponsored childcare in France, addressing a waiting list of approximately 800,000 families seeking daycare placements at the turn of the millennium.

The group's business model is centered on providing high-quality childcare and early education services for children from infancy to age six. Revenue is generated through two primary streams: operating its own network of nurseries, often in partnership with corporations that sponsor places for their employees, and managing daycare centers on behalf of local public authorities. This B2B approach helps companies implement family-friendly social policies, which can enhance professional equality and corporate performance. The company also serves families directly through its extensive network.

Grandir's service portfolio includes full-time care, backup care, and early education programs. A key feature is the "Crèche Experte" label, a proprietary quality standard developed with an external firm, which outlines 138 commitments to service quality, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment. The company has also embraced ecological practices, with some facilities participating in the "Ecolo crèche®" label program. Its educational approach is built on providing a safe and stimulating setting that fosters children's development and growth.

Since its inception, Grandir has pursued an aggressive growth strategy, marked by organic expansion and numerous acquisitions. In 2021, the company partnered with Sodexo, combining their global childcare activities to extend their reach. This was followed by an investment from InfraVia, aimed at consolidating its market position in France and scaling international operations. The group has a substantial international footprint, operating in the United States and Canada (as Kids & Company and Inspire Early Education), the United Kingdom (as Kiddi Caru and Grandir UK), and Germany (as Infanterix). This international expansion has been fueled by acquiring established local operators, such as Kiddi Caru and Magic Nurseries in the UK.