“Rich, Ian and Will were truly fantastic partners for the Group. With their support we have grown significantly, becoming one of the leading education and training providers in the UK. We appreciate the trust and commitment MML have shown us.”

Brenda McLeish, CEO, Learning Curve Group

Learning Curve Group

learningcurvegroup.co.uk
Shareholder re-organisation to facilitate succession and growth capital for acquisitions.

The business

Learning Curve Group ("Learning Curve")  is one of the UK’s leading providers of vocational training and apprenticeships. 

The deal

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. 

The exit

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

Catch up with CEO, Brenda McLeish, 12 months post exit.

What made you choose MML as your partner?

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.

What’s the best thing about leading Learning Curve?

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.

Related news

Brenda McLeish, CEO of Learning Curve Group, awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list
We are delighted to start the year with news of Brenda McLeish, CEO of Learning Curve Group, being awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list for her services to further education.
MML exits Learning Curve Group, marking 2nd successful exit during March
MML Capital Partners (“MML”) has successfully exited its investment in Learning Curve Group, crystallising a strong cash return in excess of 3x.
MML backed Learning Curve Group acquires private training provider Profound Group
Learning Curve Group (www.learningcurvegroup.co.uk) has acquired Profound Group, a private training provider based in the North East of England.
MML gets up the Learning Curve
MML Capital Partners (“MML”) has invested into Learning Curve Group (“LCG”) after being initially introduced to the potential opportunity by Clearwater International Corporate Finance.

Associated deal team

Ian Wallis

co-CEO
Europe / US

Richard Mayers

Managing Partner (UK - Partnership Capital)
Europe

Helen Lowe

Investment Director
Europe

William Stewart

Investment Director
Europe

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