Grant Thornton advises Flick Learning Limited

Flick Learning is a provider of online, compliance-focused training predominantly to Multi Academy Trusts (MATs), schools, nurseries and charities with high mandatory training requirements, delivered via both a subscription and licence model. 

The business is well-known for its distinctive course design, strong education credentials, high-quality accredited product and its ‘all-you-can-eat’ course offering, all wrapped up in a quirky and playful style.

Flick transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2023. Whilst the business continued its impressive growth trajectory, the EOT ownership model constrained further investment in the business.

We reached out to the founders to highlight that the business would receive significant interest should they wish to enter a sales process. Grant Thornton was subsequently appointed to run a focused trade sales process to facilitate the founders’ exits and attract new investment to drive forward the next phase of growth.

We leveraged our sector insight to identify a tightly curated group of relevant buyers and ran a focused sales process. This enabled us to maximise the chances of a successful outcome whilst minimising disruption to the management team.

Working closely with the founders, we built a compelling equity story, highlighting Flick’s leading position in the market and significant growth potential.

Following a competitive auction process, Impact Futures emerged as the preferred acquirer, with close alignment on future strategy and a strong cultural fit.

We worked closely with our tax colleagues, legal advisors and Impact Futures to navigate the inherent complexities that arise on the sale of an EOT. 

The sale to Impact Futures delivered an attractive outcome to all stakeholders including the founders, option holders, and the EOT beneficiaries, and secured an aligned owner to drive the next phase of growth.