PE-backed education group swoops for apprenticeship and training provider
Private equity-backed firm Knovia Group, an education network, has acquired Birmingham-based apprenticeship and training provider Babington.
With a 50-year heritage and 280 employees, Babington, which also has an office in Derby, provides apprenticeships and commercial training to over 4,800 learners across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Its programmes cover areas such as accountancy, data analytics, HR, and learning and development, alongside services like levy transfer management and bespoke client training.
Babington joins existing Knovia businesses Paragon Skills, Shaping Lives, and Tempdent. The move aims to strengthen the group’s training capabilities across the professional services sector.
As part of the deal, Paragon Skills’ professional services training provision will transition to Babington, allowing both brands to focus on their core specialisms.
Jen Bramley, CEO of Babington said: “I am delighted that Babington has joined the Knovia Group. Our commitment to Developing Better Futures for organisations, individuals, and society continues to be our guiding principle and will be amplified as we leverage Knovia’s robust platform for growth and innovation. Together, we will harness our expertise to deliver exceptional vocational training, empowering individuals to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. Our shared commitment to excellence and impact demonstrates why joining Knovia is a fantastic next step for Babington, and I look forward to achieving great things together.”
Mark Botha, chief executive of Knovia Group said: “I am truly thrilled to welcome Babington into the Knovia Group. Their rich 50-year heritage, unwavering dedication to quality and innovation, resonates deeply with our core mission of Impact, Change, and Growth. Together, we will create meaningful change and provide career-boosting outcomes for learners, customers, businesses, and the industries we serve. This partnership is a powerful opportunity to expand our reach, enhance our services, and invest in the future of vocational training.”
With Babington’s addition, Knovia now supports over 16,000 learners and works with more than 5,000 employers across the UK. The group is backed by Sovereign Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on high-growth businesses.
Following the acquisition, Unigestion – an asset manager that specialises in backing private equity mid-market leaders – has taken a minority stake in Knovia alongside Sovereign and the management team.
Pieter-Jan Frederix, head of direct investments at Unigestion said: “We are proud of the transition Babington has made since our investment in 2022, particularly in enhancing the quality of its services and streamlining operations. We remain a firm believer in the need for lifelong learning for key industries and the positive impact it has on learners. The partnership between Babington and Knovia allows Babington to continue on its journey of specialising in the areas where it serves its clients so well, while benefiting from the scale that the Knovia Group brings.”
