Private equity backed training provider notches up another acquisition
B2W Group, a Manchester-based pre-employment and apprenticeship training provider, has made its second acquisition by buying Teesside-based company BePro.
Backed by Palatine’s Impact Fund, B2W is acquiring niche sector specialist focused training businesses with strong brands in their respective markets.
Luke Muscat, chief executive, said: “After our transformational acquisition of Just IT Training in 2022, we are delighted to be working with another best-in-class training provider in BePro. Val and Georgina have built an excellent business, and we look forward to supporting the future growth of BePro as part of the B2W Group.”
BePro Development delivers CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) courses and HR, Recruitment, Learning and Development and Coaching apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors including retail, hospitality, food, manufacturing, logistics and government. It counts Amazon, Ocado, Yo Sushi, IHG Hotels, DHL, HM Treasury, and the Home Office among its customers.
With a head office in Stokesley, Teesside, the company, founded in 2014 employs around 30 people it was founded by experienced HR trainers Val Swales and her daughter Georgina Selmi, who will be remaining with the business post-acquisition.
James Painter, Senior Investment Director at Palatine added: “BePro is a great fit for the B2W Group and brings significant expertise and a strong client base to the business. We believe there is an opportunity to scale BePro through leveraging B2W’s central infrastructure and this acquisition further demonstrates B2W’s commitment to apprenticeship training and addressing the skills and productivity challenges facing the next generation of the workforce. We look forward to supporting the group with further strategic acquisitions in 2024.”
B2W Group were supported by James Gregson and James Painter at Palatine. Advisers included law firm Browne Jacobson (Ryan Brown) and business advisers Cowgills (Andrew Nelson).
