KCP FUELS ANOTHER SME WITH LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST ACQUISITION

Fuel Learning, a specialist provider of management, leadership and team development programmes and initiatives, has received an investment from Key Capital Partners (KCP).

In a transaction overseen by Jay Singh, KBS Corporate Finance Director, Fuel Learning’s shareholders were eager to explore options for furthering the business’s expansion.

Founded in 2009, Fuel Learning is dedicated to developing personalised learning experiences for global companies in a variety of industries.

The Derbyshire-based firm has served an impressive portfolio of international brands including Adidas, Kellogg’s and Nissan.

Richard Stocks, Senior Research Analyst at KBS who managed the sale’s outreach process, said: “Fuel Learning has a strong client base, significant new contract wins and is benefitting from rapid growth.

“Ian (Prentice, CEO of Fuel Learning) was very much open to options when exploring a sale. While we had strong trade interest in the opportunity, the chance to stay with Fuel Learning and ensure they were part of and benefitted from the growth new contract wins will deliver in the coming years soon became the preferred choice for the shareholders.”

KCP, one of the world’s top-performing small-cap private equity firms, has a proven track record of investing in mid-market SMEs.

Operating from offices in Leeds and London, KCP invests in businesses valued at between £5m and £50m, providing the resources and support needed to develop.

Richard added: “KCP looks to back ambitious management teams in prominent growth sectors. They have successfully realised the value of companies such EarthStream, Gear4Music, Neville Johnson and WHP Telecoms.

“I’m pleased that we have secured a deal structure with a leading private equity firm, similar to recent KBS transactions such as London Drainage Facilities which YFM Equity Partners invested in.”

Ian Prentice commented on the acquisition: “With their in-depth knowledge of the training sector, KCP quickly gained an understanding of our business model. They provide support at a very senior level, with highly experienced partners working closely with the business to help deliver our growth ambition.”

Philip Duquenoy of KCP added: “We are delighted to partner with Fuel. The team’s focus on quality of training and client satisfaction permeates throughout and is core to the business’s success.”

Jay Singh commented on the outcome of the sale: “The Fuel team have done well to develop the business to where it is today. With support from KCP, they will undoubtedly build on this success with ambitious growth plans for the future.

“It was a pleasure to work with the management team and shareholders to deliver an excellent outcome for all parties.”