General Physics steps up training capability

A US-based training consultancy whose UK headquarters is in Stockport has bought a South West competitor for an undisclised sum.

General Physics Corporation has bought Ultra Training, which trains apprentices in adminitration, retail, customer service, hospitality, hairdressing and other skills.

Ultra Training is based in Cornwall and currently has a turnover of around £2.8m. It is contracted to provide most of its programmes through the Skills Funding Agency.

The deal is the third which General Physics has completed in the South WEst within the past 18 months, following earlier purchases of Bath Consultancy Group and Plymouth-based Academy of Training.

General Physics was advised on the deal by the Manchester office of law firm Cobbetts and corporate financier DTE.

Cobbetts’ corporate partner, Ian Riggs, said: “GP’s acquisition of Ultra Training further expands its capabilities in the South West. The acquisition increases GP’s maximum contract value to £9 million per year and places the company in a much stronger strategic position relative to the introduction of minimum contract levels during 2011.”

David Martin, National Business Unit Director at GP, said: “The acquisition of Ultra Training further expands our capabilities in the South West region of England, helping people and businesses to access the skills training they need to succeed.

“Ultra prides itself on the quality of training it provides to learners and the high success rates that its learners achieve.”