Avec Partnership was established in 2010, and is a leading provider of HR, finance and advisory services to c.265 schools across the North of England. The business is specialised in offering an academy conversion and multi-academy trust merger services.
Following several approaches from prospective buyers, the Avec Partnership shareholders appointed us to manage the sale of the business, based on our extensive experience in the education and support services sector.
Our team worked closely with the shareholders to assess the options available and tailor the right approach and solution. Knowing the market, we ran a competitive process with a strategic list of key buyers, ensuring the right transaction and structure was delivered for the shareholders.
The shareholders ultimately selected Education Personnel Management (EPM) / Citation Group, backed by Hg Capital, as their preferred partner based on the strategic and geographical fit of the two businesses, growth potential and chemistry between management boards.
Having previously advised the shareholders of EPM on their sale to Citation Group, our team had a unique and detailed understanding of the buyer. This allowed us to seamlessly bring the two teams together and deliver a value enhancing transaction which achieved key objectives for both parties.
We executed a streamlined process, including a full suite of due diligence, and completed the transaction within a month of signing exclusivity with EPM / Citation Group.
We engaged the Grant Thornton team because we felt very confident in their sector experience from the outset, and this was brought to bear through the development of their detailed understanding of the business. This resulted in the running of a professional and highly competitive process, during which they provided pragmatic and sound advice. We’d recommend their expertise unreservedly.
Sarah Monk Founding Director, Avec Partnership Limited
