Mergers And Acquisitions Associate

Company Description Busy Bees North America is a leading provider of early childhood education and care across the United States and Canada, partnering with families to deliver high-quality learning experiences. Through a family of trusted brands and innovative programs, the organization creates nurturing environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Busy Bees North America places strong emphasis on collaboration, trust, respect, and support, ensuring team members feel valued and empowered.

Guided by its We Thrive commitment, the company fosters a culture of growth and contribution, believing that when team members thrive, children and families do as well. Together, the organization is focused on shaping brighter futures and giving every child the best start in life.

The Mergers and Acquisitions Associate is a full-time, on-site role based in Greater Philadelphia. This role is responsible for supporting the end-to-end M&A lifecycle, including sourcing, evaluating, and executing acquisitions of early childhood education centers and related businesses. Day-to-day tasks include conducting financial and operational due diligence, building valuation models, preparing investment memoranda and presentations, and coordinating with internal stakeholders and external advisors.

The associate will help manage transaction timelines, support negotiations, and assist with integration planning to ensure a smooth transition for acquired centers. The role also involves market research, maintaining deal pipelines, and providing reporting and insights to leadership to inform strategic growth decisions.

• Strong financial analysis and modeling skills, including proficiency in Excel and basic valuation techniques.
• Experience with due diligence, including reviewing financial statements, operational data, and legal documents.
• Knowledge of M&A processes, deal structuring, and transaction documentation.
• Ability to conduct market and competitive research and synthesize findings into clear recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing presentations, reports, and executive summaries.
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CFA, CPA) are a plus.
• Prior experience in investment banking, corporate development, private equity, or transaction advisory is highly beneficial.
• Interest in or exposure to the education or childcare sector is an advantage, along with alignment to Busy Bees North America's mission and values.