LDC acquires Ufi and its subsidiary Learndirect

Learndirect management remains in the company, led by Ian Crabb, the new chair of Ufi. The transaction, which gives LDC a 100% shareholding in Ufi/Learndirect, was valued at around £40m.

LDC intends to support the company by improving its efficiency and supplier networks and will look to grow Learndirect by accessing more potential users with a broader range of services.

Company
Launched in 2000 by Ufi, Learndirect is an online learning provider that aims to improve the employability of adults with few skills and qualifications. Based in Sheffield, Ufi employs around 500 staff and 2,000 support staff and had a £140m turnover in 2010.

Learndirect operates a network of around 750 centres across England and Wales, and provides training to employers. In addition to online courses in maths, English, IT and business, the company provides the "Life in the UK" test for the UK Border Agency.

People
Managing director Daniel Sasaki, investment director Joanne Milner and investment manager Waqqas Ahmad worked on the deal for LDC. Sarah Jones is the CEO of Learndirect.

Advisers
Equity – Pinsent Masons, Peter Wood, Michelle Kershaw, Amy Wright (Legal).
Vendor – Deloitte, Jodi Birkett, Tim Cutting, Oliver Hemming (Corporate & financial due diligence); Rothschild, Greg Cant (Corporate finance).
Management – Catalyst Corporate Finance, Jeremy Harrison (Corporate finance).

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• Topics
• UK / Ireland
• Buyouts
• Support services
• United Kingdom
• LDC