DC Advisory advised Apriori and Ares on the sale of Inspiring Learning to Bridgepoint Development Capital

Inspiring Learning (the group) is a leading provider of co-curricular and out of classroom learning to schools, colleges and universities in the UK and overseas.

The group operates under two brands: Kingswood, which delivers rewarding and challenging learning experiences in residential activity centres and day camps; and Equity, specialists in taking young people around the world for educational adventures, ski trips and sports and music tours.

DC Advisory (DC), led by Richard Madden and Matthew Taylor, were engaged by the shareholders, aPriori and Ares, in January 2016 to advise on the sale of the business.

A staple debt package was organised by DC’s debt team to underpin first round offers and maximise the competitiveness of private equity bidders.

Following a competitive process, with strategic and financial buyers across Asia, Europe and the UK, the group was successfully sold to Bridgepoint Development Capital (BDC), a UK based private equity firm.

The group will continue to be led by its existing management team, and, with the financial backing of BDC, will be strongly positioned to invest in the roll-out of new centres and capitalise on the increasing demand for out-of-classroom learning in the UK and overseas.

A significant number of people contributed to a successful process, and I am confident that the future looks bright for the business, the management team and BDC.