DSW Management Buyout Secures Long-Term Independence for Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation

DSW & Co Ltd, based in Doncaster, and a leading provider of assessment, awarding and commercial learning services, is pleased to announce the successful completion of a management buyout (MBO) led by its executive team.  

The MBO follows careful consideration of the options available culminating in the belief and conviction that the new ownership structure is best positioned to protect the company’s independence, values, client-first culture, employees and all the supplier and partner relationships it has built over the past 27 years. 

The transition places ownership of the company directly into the hands of its experienced internal leaders and ensures that the business continues to be managed by people with a deep understanding and commitment to the way of working that has contributed to its growth and success.  

The transaction has been led by current CEO David Pearson, alongside investment from colleagues across the business. 

As part of the transition, founder Patrick Doran will step into the role of Non-Executive Chairman at the end of 2026, where he will continue to support the business and its leadership team. 

David Pearson, Chief Executive Officer, said: 

“This buyout is about continuity, stability and confidence for our clients, colleagues, associates and partners. DSW will continue to be led by people who understand the business and care deeply about its future and our focus remains firmly on delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients across both our assessment and learning services divisions. The values, culture and client-first approach that have shaped DSW since inception some 27 years ago will remain at the heart of everything we do as we move into this next chapter.” 

Patrick Doran, Founder of DSW, said: 

“It is an exciting development for the DSW MBO team and all of our colleagues, in whom I have total trust and confidence to continue to “do the right thing” in delivering services that meet and exceed our clients’ highest expectations. I am incredibly proud of what DSW has achieved; the commercial successes are noteworthy in themselves, but the greatest pride I have is in the way we work, what we stand for and the talented people who have helped build the business into what it is today. This transition provides the right platform for the company to continue to thrive, and I am delighted to remain involved as Non-Executive Chairman to support Dave and the team as they continue to grow and develop the business.” 

For clients, associates and suppliers, the transition represents business as usual. The same leadership team, trusted relationships and exceptional standards of service remain firmly in place, with DSW continuing to focus on delivering outstanding outcomes and building long-term partnerships founded on trust, quality, and integrity. 

DSW was supported throughout the transaction by its Corporate Advisers, Park Place Corporate Finance, whose guidance helped the team navigate the process and complete the buyout in a way that protects the long-term interests of the business, its people, and its clients.