Brackenfield was founded in 1977 and is located in the affluent market town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. The School is a leading independent, co-educational Nursery and Preparatory day school, delivering a high quality and well-rounded education to c.150 pupils from age 2 to 11. Brackenfield has outstanding facilities across five acres including substantial freehold property.
In September 2018, we met with the shareholders to discuss their strategic options. Recognising our recent experience of the UK independent school market and deep sector knowledge we were appointed to explore a potential sale process.
We acted as lead advisors on the transaction with support from SPA advisory on the completion mechanism and accounting elements of the sale and purchase agreement.
In Forfar Education, we introduced a buyer with substantial experience and funds to grow the school to its full potential.
Forfar Education is an education-only investment and advisory business. They specialise in partnering with high potential education businesses, predominantly schools, helping transform them into leading educational institutions.
Our sector focus on K-12 schools, recent experience and network of buyers is unmatched in the UK. Clearly demonstrating the opportunity represented by Brackenfield, we ran a competitive auction process, delivering a great result for the shareholders and providing the school with the perfect partner in Forfar Education to continue its next stage of development.
Grant Thornton’s team of sector experts provided a highly professional service from start to finish, guiding us through the complex process of selling our school. Their commercial approach and knowledge of the buyer market enabled the transaction to proceed without any impact on the school. We would thoroughly recommend Grant Thornton’s services.
Anthony Comerford Proprietor, Brackenfield School
