Derby training firm sold in £22m deal

A Derby-headquartered provider of apprenticeships and skills training has been sold in a £22m secondary buy-out.

The firm has been bought by private equity fund, RJD Partners, who will take the business through its next stage of growth, with Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank providing debt facilities to support the transaction.

Babington operates from 10 centres across the UK specialising in sectors such as finance, accounting, business administration, digital media and marketing.

RJD has taken a majority stake in the business and invested alongside Babington’s management team, led by Carole Carson. Carson has more than 25 years’ experience of working for organisations such as BT, TFL, the Shaw Trust and Intraining Group.

Carson said: “We are delighted to have a supportive partner in Yorkshire Bank. The transaction team quickly formed a good understanding of our business and we look forward to working closely with them as we grow the company via new employer relationships, new training centres in other parts of the UK and an increased focus on growth areas such as digital media.”

Ian Mansell, senior director, specialist and acquisition finance, at Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank in Birmingham, said: “The high quality of the training services which Babington provides to both employers and individuals has been instrumental in the Group’s growth.

“The expertise and track record which Carole and her management team have in the industry has enabled the firm to successfully extend their reach into an increasing number of sectors. We look forward to supporting the Group as they enter this latest phase of expansion.”

The bank was advised by Emma Hinton and Paul Ray of Browne Jacobson in Birmingham.