Training group with 180-year history snapped up by Canadian EdTech firm
Whetherby-headquartered Pitman Training Group (PTG) has been acquired by Canadian EdTech company Launchlife International (LLI), as part of its plans to facilitate the next phase of its development.
PTG has plans to expand internationally alongside Launchlife’s ambitions to expand its education franchise network. Pitman Training Group – which was first established with shorthand courses after Sir Isaac Pitman invented shorthand in 1837 – has 87 franchised locations globally, including over 70 in the UK and Ireland.
LaunchLife International has 63 international franchised education locations, and the deal will see Pitman Training operate across 14 countries.
PTG was the first private education company to offer distance learning alternatives to its students. Pitman Training has been synonymous with office based training since Sir Isaac Pitman invented shorthand in 1837, and the company now helps thousands of students each year progress their careers through tailor-made study programmes and diplomas.
Pitman Training MD Claire Lister, who has been with the business for the past 21 years, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for both the loyal and hardworking team at Pitman Training Group, but also all of the Pitman franchise partners.
“LaunchLife International will be able to bring synergistic benefits to the group, across product development and additional course offerings, business systems and technological advancements which will ultimately benefit our students, as well as more management support in operations, marketing and technology which will benefit our people and overall business growth.”
She added: “At the heart of both businesses, is the support the learner receives through their experience with us and we felt from the very beginning of conversations with Launchlife that our ethics and values aligned on this, something very important for me when looking for external partners to help drive the business forward.”
Launchlife has a solid background in training and development, and as well as now owning PTG, also owns the Academy of Learning Career College (AOLCC), and tutor franchise, School is Easy. The AOLCC model has grown from the same model from which the Pitman business grew.
Darryl Simsovic, CEO of LLI, said “Based on my personal knowledge of the PTG principles as I’ve been getting to know them over the past year, I am confident that this will be a great fit for LLI.”
“PTG and AOLCC have very similar approaches to career adult education, both emphasize customer care and student achievement, and have both been successful innovators in the way they deliver and market their services. Our aim will be to harness natural synergies of joint product development across our group businesses as well as systems and IT synergies.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to improve even further the learning opportunities for our students, as well as business potential for our many franchise partners. We are excited to ramp up both UK and international franchise expansion, and look forward to build on the recent exciting developments in existing franchise partners moving to multiple outlet ownership.”
