The Edwin Group, a prominent education support services provider based in Newcastle, has been acquired by Quad Partners.
This acquisition signals a new phase of growth for the UK-based company, marking an exit for previous investor LDC.
Strategic Acquisition by Quad Partners
Quad Partners, a specialist in education industries, has completed an acquisition of The Edwin Group. The acquisition, with undisclosed financial terms, positions Quad Partners to expand its influence in the UK education sector. The deal marks a significant exit for LDC, who had invested in the group to facilitate a management buyout.
The Edwin Group, comprising eight companies, is known for recruiting and retaining leaders, teachers, and support staff at schools and multi-academy trusts across the UK. This strategic acquisition by Quad Partners aims to support The Edwin Group’s next growth phase.
Expansion and Growth Under LDC
Since its establishment in 2008, The Edwin Group has grown into one of the UK’s largest suppliers of supply teachers, serving a vast number of schools across its recognised brands, such as Vision for Education, ABC Teachers, and Smart Teachers.
In the latest financial year, the group recruited over 11,000 teaching and support staff, achieved a turnover of £72.5 million, and saw its gross profits significantly increase to £21.6 million. The growth was driven by expanding services and securing new school partnerships across the UK.
A Broader Vision for Educational Support
The acquisition supports The Edwin Group’s commitment to enhancing its educational services.
Current operations include wellbeing specialists Still Human, curriculum enrichment through Commando Joe’s and Enrich Education, and safeguarding via Llama ID.
With their well-rounded service offerings, The Edwin Group addresses emerging needs of schools and multi-academy trusts, reinforcing their position as leaders in educational support.
Leadership and Strategy
CEO Liam Roberts, alongside leaders such as Darren Starling and Will Washington, has driven the company’s strategic growth.
The group’s senior team has been strengthened to support its expansion plans
This strong vision was realised through investments in personnel and infrastructure, positioning the company favourably in the education sector.
Implications of the Acquisition
The acquisition by Quad Partners will likely accelerate The Edwin Group’s capacity to meet the growing demands for educational services across the UK.
Focus on teacher recruitment and retention under Quad Partners promises to tackle challenges facing many educational institutions.
With new backing, The Edwin Group is poised to increase its impact across more schools and improve the educational experience for students.
Future growth is aligned with the goal of enhancing support services for schools amidst evolving educational needs.
Executive and Financial Perspectives
LDC’s involvement in The Edwin Group’s growth journey has been pivotal.
David Bains highlighted the successful transformation of The Edwin Group during LDC’s investment tenure.
Financial advisories from Grant Thornton, EY Parthenon, BDO and Browne Jacobson were instrumental in executing the transaction effectively.
The financial resilience and strategic foresight have been central to The Edwin Group’s operations.
Future Prospects
With new leadership at the helm, The Edwin Group is set to expand its services to more schools nationwide.
This acquisition opens avenues for strategic growth and enhanced educational outcomes.
The acquisition of The Edwin Group by Quad Partners marks a pivotal moment in the UK education sector.
This development is poised to significantly influence educational support services, enhancing opportunities for schools and students alike.
