TeacherActive poised for growth after MBO

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TeacherActive, a leading supplier of teachers, education support staff­­ and nursery nurses, is poised for expansion after undergoing a management buyout (MBO).

Founded in 2004, Birmingham-headquartered TeacherActive provides outsourced staffing solutions to more than 3,000 primary, secondary and special education needs (SEN) schools from its active candidate base of more than 6,000 registered educational staff.

Supported by an undisclosed finance package from Manchester-headquartered TDC and Yorkshire Bank, the MBO will drive further growth into regional markets by expanding its national branch network.

The transaction also ensures the management team have the foundation to provide exceptional outsourced staffing solutions that meet local educational needs, whilst attracting further quality international candidates from overseas countries with a surplus of teachers, including Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

From its 18 offices, TeacherActive delivers excellence through its in-house proprietary operating system, which governs candidate placement, school contact, consultant activity and general management of the business.

A strong focus on student welfare sees its safeguarding procedures surpass Department for Education requirements; adding to TeacherActive’s reputation as a trusted market leader in education recruitment.

Clearwater International’s Debt Advisory team arranged financing from Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank and TDC to support the transaction, led by partner, Chris Smith and director, Joe Dyke, with support from associate, Mike Slater. The Clearwater International M&A team was led by partner, Rob Burden, with support from senior associate, Alex Brindley.

Senior Debt and working capital facilities were provided by the Birmingham office of Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank, Corporate & Structured Finance. TeacherActive has been a Bank customer since 2010.

Rob Browett, managing director at TeacherActive, said: “With more 50 years’ combined recruitment experience, the management team are looking forward to a really bright future for the company. The investment raised will allow us to go from strength to strength, broadening the share ownership, opening new offices and allowing us to deliver an exceptional service to both our teaching staff and our schools.”

Richard Williams, partner at TDC, added: “TeacherActive is a forward-thinking business that recognises the opportunities within this growth market, which is now worth £1bn+. We’re looking forward to working with the management team to identify new growth opportunities, respond strategically to evolving supply pressures and reach its full potential.”

Joe Dyke, director at Clearwater International, continued: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Rob Browett and the team to raise funding to support the MBO. The solution provided by Yorkshire Bank and TDC will enable management to maximise future opportunities in the market.”

Ian Mansell, senior director at Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank, said: “The Bank has been able to support the growth of TeacherActive over many years and we are delighted now to have been able to provide the senior financing which secures the ownership succession for Rob Browett and his team.”

DLA Piper advised TDC on the transaction.

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