Law firm reveals key role in cross-border deal

Martyn Brierley, head of corporate at law firm Flint Bishop, supported by Mandy Chan and George Ottewell, also from the Flint Bishop’s corporate team, have advised Trinity International Education, a subsidiary of Trinity ViaggiStudio, on its acquisition of St. Andrews College Language Schools.

Trinity International, which specialises in organising travel and study abroad programs, has grown significantly over the years to become one of Italy’s most recognised study vacation tour operators.

The group has expanded its footprint in Italy with the opening of a Rome office in 2011 and embarked on international growth by establishing Trinity International Education in 2012 and a subsidiary in New York in 2022.

As part of the deal, Trinity International has acquired 18 centres, 10 in England and eight in Scotland, specialising in summer camps and cultural programs.

Trinity International was supported in the transaction by David Nelson and Deniss Sipovics of PKF Smith Cooper, who conducted financial and tax due diligence and acted as financial advisors. Equita Mid Cap Advisory, the Italian partner of Clairfield International, also served as advisors on the deal.

Brierley said: “It was a pleasure to support our Italian client, Trinity International, alongside the team at PKF Smith Cooper and the client’s Italian advisory team at Equita K Finance, a representative of Clairfield International, on this important strategic acquisition.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Trinity’s ambitious growth strategy and adds to the number of successful transactions we’ve completed in the education sector. We look forward to seeing Trinity and St. Andrew’s thrive together as they continue to shape the landscape of youth education and development.”

Both companies will retain their individual brand identities and management teams, post-deal.