We are delighted to have advised on the sale of Riverston School from Chatsworth Schools backed by Synova LLP to Cavendish Education
Chatsworth Schools, founded as a new platform by Anita Gleave (CEO) and Fred Knipe (CFO) in 2017 with backing from Synova LLP, grew to become one of the largest for-profit private school groups in the UK with 11 schools and c.2,000 pupils.
We initially supported the group with the sale of four of its UK schools and the international operations to Outcomes First Group in December 2024.
Riverston School is uniquely positioned in the market as a SEND-focussed school registered as a mainstream setting, providing the increased level support required via Education, Health and Care plans, whilst delivering a mainstream education to its pupils.
Through our expansive network and market knowledge of both the SEND and the broader UK independent school sector, we introduced Cavendish Education, a specialist SEND school group focussing on low acuity needs.
ecognising the significant appeal of Riverston School and attractiveness of pre-empting a process we solicited an off-market offer from Cavendish Education.
After successfully negotiating the offer up to a stronger valuation, the shareholders granted a short period of exclusivity to deliver the deal with a light-touch due diligence exercise.
Recognising the potential strategic interest, we matched the two parties, obtaining full value for our client off-market.
This process was supported by a one-firm solution across two Grant Thornton service lines, corporate finance advisory and corporate tax
