Realise, the Sheffield-headquartered training provider, has reinforced its strategy for future expansion through acquisition by entering a partnership with a digital bank which specialises in helping organisations grow.
Supporting more than 16,500 learners a year across the UK through apprenticeships and adult education programmes, Realise has enjoyed a period of major growth since being the subject of a management buy-out in 2020.
It has now utilised its strong financial position to finalise a multi-million pound loan agreement with OakNorth, a digital bank designed to empower SMEs to support growth and innovation.
Realise employs more than 500 people across England and focuses its apprenticeship offering around early years and education, health and social care, business skills and transport.
In addition, it provides adult education training programmes in numerous locations, including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and the West Midlands, to support local authorities in their quest to upskill residents.
Gregg Scott, CEO of Realise, said: “We have an ambitious business growth strategy which we will be delivering in 2025 and beyond and partnering with OakNorth has given us the opportunity to continue seeking the acquisitions which we believe are crucial to our future progression.
“We have a long history in the apprenticeship and adult education training market and we are now actively seeking future acquisition opportunities, helping more people fulfil their potential while at the same time playing our part in addressing skills shortages in the UK economy.
“Of course, acquisition opportunities in the sectors we currently operate in would be of major interest but we would be fully open to conversations with any providers whose owners are looking to exit their business.”
Realise secured investment from private equity firm Endless (Enact Fund) to support a management buyout in 2020 and made two acquisitions to its early years portfolio two years later by securing FW Solutions and Training Plus Merseyside.
Gregg added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with OakNorth to help deliver our future growth plans and are extremely grateful for the support we have received from Endless – who are fully supportive of this move and have been involved in all discussions – and Deloitte’s Debt & Capital Advisory team who have been fantastic in guiding us through the process.”
Stewart Haworth, Debt Finance Director at OakNorth, said: “Realise has been supporting people to fulfil their potential and helping businesses to grow by upskilling their workforce for decades.
“It has established a market leading position across several sectors, received industry-wide recognition and developed a strong EBITDA profile organically and without debt.
“Led by a highly capable management team and backed by very strong sponsors in Endless, Realise has consistently delivered impressive growth and performance. We’re delighted to be supporting a business that is not only highly successful and growing quickly, but one that is also making a positive contribution to people and communities across the UK.”
The transaction was advised by Deloitte (debt advisory), Womble Bond Dickinson and Pinsent Masons (Legal), KPMG (tax DD), GK Strategy (political DD), CIL (commercial DD) and Grant Thornton (financial DD).
