StayAhead Training acquired by ILX Group

A long-established independent IT training specialist has been sold in a deal which presents significant growth opportunities for both the company and its acquirer.

StayAhead Training, founded in 1992 and based in London, offers more than 200 different instructor-led courses, with a choice of classroom, virtual and closed training options.

Comprehensive training support is available across a broad spectrum of technical subjects, including web development, programming, data analysis, databases and cyber security, with course materials developed in-house and designed to cover a range of abilities.

In a transaction led by Nathan Leah, KBS Corporate Finance Associate Director, StayAhead was sold to fellow London-based digital learning services provider ILX Group, in a strategic move designed to expand the buyer’s accredited training portfolio.

The acquisition aligns with ILX’s ambitions to support its customers in achieving their digital transformation goals.

“We are incredibly proud of what StayAhead Training has accomplished since its inception and we are delighted to see it join ILX Group,” said StayAhead’s directors, Josephine and Daniel O’Sullivan.

“ILX shares our passion for high-quality training that drives individual career growth and business transformation. We have worked hard to build a trusted brand and we are excited about the opportunities ahead for StayAhead Training under ILX’s leadership.”

StayAhead will operate as a sister company to ILX Group, maintaining its strong brand identity while benefiting from ILX’s resources. This structure will enable investment in new products, sales and marketing initiatives, attracting new customers and fostering business growth.

Russell Kenrick, Managing Director of ILX Group, commented: “StayAhead Training is a fantastic company that shares our cultural values and commitment to training excellence. With over 30 years of experience delivering technical IT training, they bring valuable expertise to our organisation. Their reputation makes this an exciting opportunity.”

Nathan Leah of company sales specialist KBS Corporate Finance was delighted to facilitate a sale which proved such a natural fit for both vendor and acquirer.

“It was a great pleasure to work with all parties on this transaction,” said Nathan. “ILX is the perfect acquirer for StayAhead Training and we can only see a strong and fruitful future for the combined entities.

“I’d like to pass on thanks to all parties involved in a highly positive and progressive process – the shareholders of StayAhead Training, ILX, Mark Sherwood-Edwards of Clearview Legal, and Richard Harrison and Emma Hope of Ison Harrison, for their diligence and collaboration with all sell-side legal work.

“I wish all parties the very best for the future and exciting times ahead following this acquisition.”