Britax Childcare is one of the world’s leading producers of children’s car safety seats, commanding a 40 per cent market share in the UK and enjoying a significant profile in Australia (60 per cent market share), Germany (40 per cent) and the US (13 per cent) too. In 2004 this division generated annual revenues in the region of £120 million.

Explaining the decision to sell, Alan Bowkett, chairman of Britax International says: ‘the childcare division has been an excellent business for us and has developed strongly over the last few years. We intend to use the proceeds of the sale to reduce debt and further develop other parts of our business.’

Andrew Stafford, meanwhile, who as head of Britax Childcare is leading the effective management buyout team, believes that with Carlyle’s help the business ‘can deliver significant growth in the years ahead’.

Carlyle is investing through its Europe Partners II fund and expects to complete the deal in around six weeks’ time.