Babington to acquire the majority of PeoplePlus apprenticeships

RJD backed Babington has agreed terms to acquire the majority of PeoplePlus’ apprenticeship business

Babington, a leading provider of specialist apprenticeships and skills training, has agreed terms to acquire the majority of the apprenticeship business from PeoplePlus (part of Staffline Group). RJD Partners (“RJD”) invested in the management buyout of Babington in 2016 and has worked closely with management to support this acquisition which continues Babington’s strategy of expanding its apprenticeship programmes in specific sectors and building long-term relationships with employers.

This acquisition will further strengthen Babington’s position as the forerunner in innovative and differentiated apprenticeship provision across the markets it serves and enhance the company’s future growth plans and performance. This acquisition helps to cement Babington’s position in the market and brings excellent opportunity, great capabilities of people and systems and an established customer and learner base.

Babington will welcome around 100 new employees across England and Scotland into the group together with almost two thousand learners and the acquisition will further develop Babington’s expanding offer in being the training partner of choice for large corporates and SMEs.

Attracted by a common business culture, PeoplePlus (PP), part of Staffline Group, agreed with Babington to divest the majority of their apprenticeship business as it forms part of a strategic re-focus for PeoplePlus on its core markets of employability and adult skills, where it is the leading provider of services to central and devolved government.

RJD appointed David Marsh as CEO of Babington in late 2018 and David has since worked with the new Senior Executive Board to redefine the company’s Purpose, Vision, Mission and Values. To enable that vision, Babington have embarked on a comprehensive and bold three-year transformation strategy. This has resulted in an enhanced technology infrastructure, seamless customer and learner journeys and significant changes to delivery models to put customers at the heart of all Babington does.

Babington has successfully navigated the past 6 months, gaining new customers and capabilities and the business’ ability to complete this transaction further demonstrates the significant amount of work that the teams have achieved during the past year.

It is anticipated that the transaction will complete in early December, enabling an orderly transition for both clients and learners.