Womble Bond Dickinson advises Endless on sale of Realise Training Group

Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised Yorkshire-based investor and long-standing client Endless on the sale of one of the UK's leading training providers, Realise Training Group.

Having grown significantly over the last five years to become one of the UK’s leading training providers, Realise has been acquired by AQA – a not-for-profit independent education charity and the UK’s leading exam board for GCSEs and A-levels.

Endless' SME fund Enact supported a management buyout of the apprenticeships and adult skills provider in October 2020, acquiring the business previously known as Interserve Learning & Employment from the Interserve Group. Realise, headed by Chief Executive Gregg Scott, has enjoyed a period of major expansion in that time with the 500-plus strong team now supporting more than 18,000 learners across England each year.

Under the ownership of Enact, Realise has also made three major acquisitions – FW Solutions, Training Plus and Smart Gas Training and Assessment Centre, now rebranded to Smart Energy, and has moved from a loss-making position to an expected profit of £4million in 2024 financial year. Realise offers apprenticeships in sectors including Early Years, Health and Social Care, Business Services and Transport.

WBD partners James Cook and David Ridley, and solicitor Alex Dolling, led the WBD team that advised Enact and the management sellers on the sale. The deal represents one of Endless' Enact fund's most significant transactions and underscores the strength of WBD's capabilities in working with a client for the full lifecycle of an investment, having advised Enact when it first acquired the business in 2020 and advising Realise on its subsequent acquisitions.

James Cook stated: 

"This transaction demonstrates Womble Bond Dickinson's ongoing commitment to building strong and effective partnerships with Enact and the management team at Realise. The expertise and dedication of our team played a pivotal role in achieving a successful result for our client, highlighting the depth of WBD's capabilities in the Private Equity sector and its unwavering focus on client support."

Paul Denvers, Partner at Enact, said: 

"This is a great example of Enact identifying and delivering complex buy-out transactions by working side by side with leadership teams, as a true partner. James and David's expertise was instrumental throughout this process. Their deep understanding of private equity and proactive approach ensured a smooth and successful sale.

Gregg Scott, chief executive officer at Realise, added: 

"Our partnership with Enact has been transformative. The acquisition will provide long-term stability for Realise in supporting young people and adults to progress to the next stage in their lives and enhance their skill set for local employers. Womble Bond Dickinson provided invaluable support and strategic guidance throughout the investment lifecycle, and this deal enables us to strengthen our offering and deliver even greater value to our learners and clients."