Bristol experts advise The Safeguarding Company on sale to Tes
Bristol-based corporate finance specialist Shaw & Co and law firm Burges Salmon have advised the shareholders of The Safeguarding Company on its acquisition by Tes, an international provider of digital solutions to schools.
The Safeguarding Company provides solutions that prevent, reduce and eliminate abuse, harm and neglect and protect the wellbeing, health and human rights of children and adults all over the world.
Tes is already well established at providing schools in the UK and internationally with trusted online training in safeguarding and duty of care, as well as providing digital solutions to monitor concerns and ensure compliance.
The Safeguarding Company’s acquisition by Tes brings a range of digital solutions to complete the entire safeguarding picture for schools and allows Tes to work with schools to enable those extra opportunities.
Rod Williams, chief executive of Tes, said: “Every child has the right to feel safe, and being able to bring together everything that Tes has already built, with the solutions from The Safeguarding Company allows us to build an even stronger set of tools to support schools in this vital area. The team at The Safeguarding Company have developed these solutions from their backgrounds and experience working directly in policing, education, local authorities, health, and social care. Their passion and dedication in this area shines through in everything that they do.”
Martin Baker, CEO and co-founder of The Safeguarding Company, said: “What started in 2014 with the creation of MyConcern, has evolved and grown rapidly ever since. To now become part of Tes, such a large and trusted brand in education, and one that has been supporting schools for over a century, is a testament to everything that has been built by our team over the years.
“Safeguarding is a vital and sensitive subject for all schools, colleges and MATs, and it demands the highest standards constantly as core values in the business. Knowing that we are joining a team who share those values and are dedicated to bringing these solutions to many more educators, is something we can all be immensely proud of.”
Rob Starr, partner – M&A, Shaw & Co, said: “We are pleased to have advised The Safeguarding Company on its sale to Tes. This deal is highly significant for the sector and will enable Tes to further broaden its safeguarding offering.”
Rich Bolton, investment manager at Octopus Ventures said: “It has been a pleasure to support the team at The Safeguarding Company. The company’s values are wholly aligned with our own; backing the people, ideas and industries that will change the world. The team at TSC has proved you can create a successful technology business whilst having a significantly positive impact on the world around you, safeguarding 1,000s of vulnerable people. We are delighted that the company has found an excellent home in Tes.”
The Burges Salmon team advising on the deal alongside Shaw & Co was led by director Tim Roberts, alongside associate Ellie Shanahan and trainee solicitor Jodie Dehaney, all from the firm’s corporate team.
They were supported by director James Green from the firm’s employment team, partner Ian Carnochan and consultant Sam Moore from the firm’s corporate tax team, and partner Rachael Ruane and legal advisor Olivia Hoh from the firm’s banking and finance team.
Roberts said: “The acquisition by Tes will enable The Safeguarding Company to continue to thrive. We are very pleased to have advised the shareholders on this milestone transaction which will bring effective safeguarding solutions to even more customers as the business enters its next phase under Tes’ ownership.”
