Acquisition snaps up beauty therapy training provider

Yorkshire-based White Rose Beauty Colleges, one of the largest beauty therapy training providers in the UK, has been acquired by Learning Curve Group (LCG), in a move which will complement LCG’s existing academy provision.

LCG, which already has hair and beauty academies across the North East of England and London, will see the addition of a further 3,500 learners each year in nine new locations and 170 employees as part of the transaction.

White Rose, which was advised by Clearwater International for this deal, was founded in 1996 and has helped thousands of learners gain skills and experience for careers in the beauty industry.

It delivers a range of Beauty Therapy, Holistic Therapy, Sports Massage and Make Up Artistry courses.

The deal means LCG will now be delivering training from over 60 locations across England and Wales to add to its existing apprenticeship, community and Adult Education provision.

The Clearwater International team consisted of partner Rob Burden, director Karen Edwards and associate Rory Crossen.

Karen Lee-Cooke, principal and founder of White Rose, said: “Learning Curve Group shares the same values as White Rose for transforming lives through learning.

“That alignment in ethos and culture will bring huge benefits, not just to learners but to employers in the health and beauty industry.

“Selling your business after over 25 years of ownership is a huge decision. I’m delighted with the Clearwater International team who have supported me and White Rose every step of the way and delivered a fantastic outcome with a hugely ambitious partner in Learning Curve.”

Brenda McLeish, CEO at Learning Curve Group, said: “We’re pleased that White Rose Beauty Colleges and all of their brilliant staff will become part of the Purple People family here at Learning Curve Group.

“It is important that any organisation that joins us has shared values and a purpose, and I believe White Rose has exactly that.

“It is a fantastic business and one that has received a number of awards as a result of its commitment to providing quality training.”

Rob Burden, partner at Clearwater International, added: “White Rose is an outstanding business with first class delivery, an excellent reputation and it will be a great addition to the Learning Curve Group.

“It was a pleasure to advise on this transaction and we’d like to wish Karen and the entire White Rose team all the best as it moves forward with LCG.”