CSG swoops for UK and French educational space designer
Educational space designer WF Education Group has been acquired by a supplier of products and services to the education and public sector.
Commercial Services Group (CSG) has acquired the UK and France-based organisation that has been serving the education and library sectors for over 80 years.
Headquartered in Shrewsbury, WF will bolster CSG’s range of education products and services, enhancing its ability to support educators at every stage of learning, with dynamic library and learning spaces, alongside subject-specific, curriculum-focused products and resources in areas such as sport, science, libraries, and design and technology.
The newly acquired brands forming part of WF – Maudesport, Timstar, Technology Supplies (TSL), and Gresswell – will be integrated into CSG’s expansive portfolio, adding 3,000 customers and 10,000 products to the existing 30,000 already offered.
CSG is one of the largest, local authority-owned, trading organisations of its kind in the UK, growing over the last 90 years after starting out as the supplies division of Kent County Council. It now serves over 15,000 customers in 85+ countries.
Matt Johnson, CEO of Commercial Services Group said: “We are delighted with this acquisition and excited about the opportunity to build on the remarkable legacy the WF Education Group has established with these trusted and highly regarded brands. They are in safe hands, and we are thrilled that the WF Education Group has chosen us not only to preserve these brands but also to drive their future growth.”
“This acquisition marks a significant step in our journey towards becoming the leading provider of education products and services to schools. We are committed to shaping the future of education by offering the highest-quality products to foster exceptional learning environments. In addition, we continue to support educators in delivering outstanding curricula, assist school leaders in making lasting improvements, and help educators build a skilled and diverse workforce. From HR and IT solutions to legal, payroll, and staff care, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive services that enable both children and educators to thrive.
“We are excited to welcome and collaborate with our talented new colleagues who will now be part of the Commercial Services Group team.”
Bill Hess, CEO of Wall Family Enterprise said: “After a deliberate and thoughtful process, we have aligned with a partner in Commercial Service Group that shares our focus on innovative products, as well as outstanding customer service and satisfaction, which has the size and scale to bring our brands and solutions to even more of the learning and library markets.
“I am confident that bringing WF Education into CSG will benefit our customers and WF Education team members, and provide a significant opportunity to grow and thrive. I am deeply grateful to our talented team and loyal customers who have been instrumental in our success.”
