Grant Thornton advises FWD Training & Consultancy Limited

FWD Training & Consultancy Limited is a specialist provider of insurance and financial services skills training, serving over 1,000 learners with an enviable employer base of blue-chip Apprenticeship Levy paying clients. Established in 2014, FWD is recognised as the leading provider of skills training for the insurance sector. 

Following a period of significant and sustained growth, the business received an off-market approach which prompted the shareholders to consider their strategic options. AELP, the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, introduced us based on our track record of success and commitment to the skills sector. 

We were appointed to oversee a limited marketing process to a handful of buyers, leveraging existing relationships. Over the course of the transaction we provided lead advisory, transaction tax and financial modelling services. 

The buyer, Davies Group, is a specialist provider of operations and digital solutions to organisations in highly regulated markets with over 2,000 employees in five countries worldwide. 

Our knowledge and understanding of Davies’ strategic plans to create an insurance and financial services focussed Learning Solutions division led to the introduction of a buyer outside of the skills sector. 

We acted as lead advisors to FWD Training & Consultancy Limited, preparing the company for sale and then running a tailored marketing process in a short window. Our familiarity and prior knowledge of the sector enabled the shareholders to maximise value and delivered a strategic buyer whose network of clients will further supercharge FWD’s growth.