RJD backs management buyout of Voyager

RJD completes management buyout of leading language programme and educational tours provider, Voyager.

RJD Partners (“RJD”), the UK Private Equity investor, has invested in the management buyout of Voyager, a leading provider of language programmes and educational tours to schools in the UK.

This is the fourth investment from RJD’s third buyout fund, following the investment in Barber of Sheffield, and follows RJD’s successful investment track record in the education and leisure sectors.

Based in Hove, Voyager is a well-presented provider of language programmes to schools with its Châtaeu de la Baudonnière courses in Normandy perhaps the most well-known. The business also provides other exclusive language programmes in Northern France and Spain as well as impressive portfolio of other tours which carry a strong education emphasis delivered

RJD has taken a majority stake in the business and has invested alongside Voyager’s management team, led by Nigel English. Nigel has overseen the group’s organic and capex led growth strategy since establishing the business in 2008 with Nick Goddard and Patricia Bryant. Nick is the original developer of the Château de la Baudonnière programme and remains an investor in the business.

RJD will work alongside the ambitious management team to grow the business further organically and to realise their plans to expand their portfolio of exclusive programmes through corporate and property based acquisitions.

The investment in Voyager builds on RJD’s track record in both the educational market, and the leisure space, following successful investments in businesses such as Education Personnel, Verdant Leisure and European Boating Holidays.

Frank Bulman, Partner, RJD Partners comments: “We believe the business is exceptionally well placed to benefit from the growth in demand for organised overseas tours and language courses within the UK education sector. Our involvement can add both financial firepower and rollout expertise which will help drive accelerated growth. We are delighted to be partnering with Nigel English and the team in pursuit of this.”

The RJD team on this investment comprised Frank Bulman and Richard Caston. Frank Bulman and Richard Caston will be joining the board of Voyager.