Learning Curve Group ("Learning Curve") is one of the UK’s leading providers of vocational training and apprenticeships.
MML’s 2015 investment allowed Brenda McLeish and her team to buy the business from founder shareholders who were no longer actively involved. Brenda was looking for a partner who could help her exploit both organic and acquisitive growth opportunities and engaged bilaterally with MML.
MML helped Brenda and her team grow Learning Curve into one of the largest and most diverse education service providers in the UK, as well as a Sunday Times Top 100 company to work for. By the time we realised our investment, Learning Curve had doubled its revenues and grown to work with 4,500 employers, educating over 120,000 learners every year via academies, accredited learning content, apprenticeship programmes and government funded training. MML sold its stake in early 2020 achieving a 3.7x return.
Fund | Partnership Capital |
Region | Europe |
Deal Status | Realised |
Sector | Education Services |
We wanted a supportive partner who could help strategically, particularly with acquisitions, but who would also trust us to run the business. We liked Richard and Ian immediately, and our judgement proved to be absolutely correct on their fit with the Learning Curve team. MML did exactly what they said they would and the strength of that partnership was instrumental to the success of the business over the last five years.
Our courses can make a real difference to people’s lives - they have the potential to bring long and lasting benefits. Gaining good quality qualifications can open up so many new opportunities and it’s hugely satisfying that Learning Curve is able to support that ambition. Our company target was to improve a million lives by 2020 and together with MML we have achieved that. Hearing what our learners go on to achieve is my favourite part of the job.
For investors in MML Fund VI, MML Ireland I & MML Ireland II
For investors in MML Fund VII
