EDI acquires self-assessment publisher PHP

Qualifications group EDI has acquired Peter Honey Publications (PHP), which develops a range of self-assessment tools focusing on learning and behaviour, in a £1.25 million deal.

PHP is seen by EDI as a “sound strategic fit” and its customers include public authorities, universities and blue-chip private sector organisations. Although EDI’s customer base includes many public and private sector groups, it is predominately made up of training organsations and Further Education colleges.

According to EDI, the move will enhance earnings because it can sell both firms’ products across each other’s customer base.

“Peter Honey Publications has developed and marketed a well respected range of assessment and support materials which have a loyal customer base,” said EDI chief executive Nigel Snook.

“The acquisition of these services opens up a new area of the assessment and personal development market to EDI and also presents cross selling opportunities.”

Almost 90 per cent of PHP’s revenues come from the UK, and more than half of all its sales are generated from online services. Its business operations will be moved to EDI’s head office in Coventry over the next four months.

Mr Snook added: “The business can be integrated with our own operations in a short period of time and with the minimum of disruption. This will provide immediate synergies although we plan to invest in the development and marketing of the high quality services we have acquired.”

Jason Rainbow

(Pictured: EDI chief executive Nigel Snook)