RJD Partners acquires Babington Group

Private equity firm RJD Partners has announced the acquisition of Babington Group, the skills and corporate training business owned by Bridges Ventures. 

RJD’s acquisition will help support Babington’s next phase of growth, as it continues to strengthen its position in the training market.  By combining RJD’s supportive approach and skills; and Babington’s proven outstanding management team, the Group are set to continue to transform the training landscape; delivering pioneering innovative solutions that work.

Founded in 1974, Babington employs more than 310 staff and operates in the fast-growing technical and professional training sector, providing government funded apprenticeship training including accountancy, financial services and digital media, we well as privately funded programmes including leadership and management. It currently works with around 12,000 learners per annum with its Head Office in the East Midlands; with delivery nationwide.

RJD Partners is an independent private equity investor focused on lower mid-market companies predominantly in the services and leisure sectors in the UK.  RJD provides equity funding solutions for buyouts, buy-ins and businesses requiring development capital, investing between £5 million and £25 millions of equity in transactions valued at up to £75 million.

Alex Hay, Partner, RJD Partners comments: “We believe the business is exceptionally well placed to benefit from the recently announced Apprenticeship Levy, as employers, learners and Government all increasingly focus on training providers, such as Babington, which offer high quality and relevant training courses. We are delighted to be partnering with Carole Carson and the strong management team to help develop Babington to its full potential, through our ‘enhance and expand’ growth methodology.”

Carole Carson, Chief Executive, Babington says: “We are looking forward to working alongside RJD in the next phase of growth for Babington. Their impressive track record of investing in and supporting entrepreneurial and growing businesses will be invaluable as we seek to grow Babington via new employer relationships, new training centres in other parts of the UK and an increased focus on growth areas such as digital Media.”

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Notes to editors:

Background on Babington Group

Babington Group are a Work-Based Learning Training Provider, founded in 1974 that provide high quality training within Accounts, Business Administration, Customer Service, Providing Financial Services, Team Leading & Management.  Always at the forefront of innovation, Babington is a pioneer of the Apprenticeship programme, with the first Accountancy Apprentice in the country and the first Insurance Apprentice in the North of England.

For more information visit www.babington.co.uk

Background on RJD Partners

 

RJD was founded in 2001,by David MacLellan, John Dillon and Richard Caston who pooled their many years of experience to form the firm. A firm that’s committed to helping entrepreneurial and family-run businesses who need a pragmatic and approachable investment partner. One that stays with its portfolio companies through thick and thin, focusing on business performance – not just the initial deal.

Over a decade later, that’s just what we are.  All our partners have full decision-making authority, so you can be confident that we can deliver what we say we will and focus on taking your business to exactly where you want it.

Our own success relies entirely on that of our portfolio companies.  As a fully independent firm since our own buyout in 2006, we understand the challenges you face. Addressing them is part of our culture too.

For more information visit  www.rjdpartners.com