gurgle.com
Acquisition in 2009
Gurgle is a UK-based pregnancy and parenting publisher owned by Mothercare. Gurgle.com is a fun, friendly environment where people can find information on conception, pregnancy, birth, baby and toddlerhood. At the core of the site is social networking, which allows Gurgle.com users to connect with each other and share advice and experiences. Gurgle.com hosts regular online webchats with parenting experts and celebrities. Recent webchats have included: Peter Andre, Dr Miriam Stoppard, Tess Daly, midwife Vicki Scott, and Myleene Klass. Gurgle.com has published three pregnancy and parenting books with Harper Collins, and in February 2011 Gurgle partnered with restaurant guide publisher Hardens, and baby food company Plum to produce Eating out with Babies and Toddlers, which features over 1,000 of the UK's best baby and toddler-friendly restaurants, cafes, and pubs. In May 2011, gurgle.com launched a parenting magazine called Gurgle. Gurgle magazine is bimonthly, and features advice on parenting and tips for family life, fashion must-haves and celebrities. In June 2010 gurgle.com launched its first annual blog awards, 'The Gurgles'. Parenting blogs are nominated by gurgle users, before being shortlisted by an expert judging panel. The winners are voted for by the general public. In October 2011, gurgle.com launched a group buying deals service, tailored to mums in the UK, powered by Savvymummys.co.uk.
Early Learning Centre
Acquisition in 2007
The Early Learning Centre (ELC) is a children's toy store chain based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1974. Originally a mail-order business specializing in educational toys and books, ELC opened its first retail store in Reading the same year. The company gained recognition as a high street brand after being acquired by John Menzies plc in 1985, which facilitated its expansion. In 2001, ELC underwent a management buyout, leading to a streamlined operation that focused on profitable product categories and enhanced sourcing from Asia. ELC offers a range of toys from major brands for children aged 0 to 14 years, with the goal of inspiring and stimulating their development through play.