From left to right Andy Moore, Bracebridge Corporate Finance and Claire Bailey, Jane Scott, Nick Bailey of Key Stage Teacher Supply
Key Stage Teacher Supply, a North West-based education recruitment agency, has been acquired by Operam Education Group, supported by funding from BGF and HSBC.
Operam Education Group is a specialist provider of qualified and support staff to schools across the Midlands and North of England. The transaction follows the acquisitions of Teachers UK and The Education Specialists earlier this year and further strengthens Operam’s presence in key regional markets as it looks to establish itself as the leading independent education recruitment agency in the North.
Following an initial £3.7m investment in February 2019, BGF has committed further funding to support the acquisition of Key Stage as it continues to back management’s buy-and-build strategy, whilst HSBC has also extended senior debt facilities to help finance the deal.
In order to support the group’s operations as it continues to scale, the senior management team has also been strengthened with the appointment of Sharon Bullock as COO. Sharon brings with her more than 20 years of sector experience in building, leading and developing high performing recruitment teams.
Andy Moore and Conor Murray from Bracebridge Corporate Finance advised the shareholders of Key Stage Teacher Supply on their strategic options and advised on the sale to Operam. Andy Moore, Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted with the outcome of this transaction for all parties involved”.
Jane Scott, Managing Director of Key Stage Teacher Supply, will be remaining with the business. Jane commented: “This is such an exciting time for Key Stage, our staff, our clients and our candidates. There is an excellent cultural fit between the two businesses and we look forward to continuing to provide a first class service to our schools throughout the region.
Eddie Austin, CEO of Operam, said: “This is a very exciting time for Operam as we welcome another business into our rapidly growing group. Key Stage Teacher Supply is a real industry specialist, with an excellent track record and reputation in the North West. Its footprint in the region will further build on our vision of creating a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ in education recruitment.
“We’re also delighted to welcome Sharon Bullock on board as group COO. She has a wealth of experience in the education recruitment sector and will bring vital skills and knowledge to the role as we enter our next stage of growth with continued support from BGF and HSBC.”
Legal advice to the vendors was provided by Ian Riggs, James Down and Olivia Jones of Hill Dickinson.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
