Atlanta private equity firm Roark Capital Group has purchased 85 percent of Primrose Schools, franchiser of educational child care centers.

The deal, announced this week, is Roark's first foray into private education. Most of the firm's 14 franchises are restaurants, including Moe's Southwest Grill and Cinnabon.

Roark Managing Partner Neal Aronson said he expects high-end early childhood education to continue to be in heavy demand, even in today's tight economy.

The Acworth, Ga.-based Primrose, which pulls in $275 million in revenue annually, operates 182 schools in 15 states and expects to open its 200th location by the end of the year.