06 Oct 2011 | 01:21 pm |
International law firm Pinsent Masons has advised mid-market private equity firm Lloyds TSB Development Capital (part of the Lloyds Banking Group) on the acquisition of online learning provider Learndirect in a £40 million deal.
Sheffield based LDC was acquired from Ufi Charitable Trust, a registered charity set up in 1998, to use new technology to transform the delivery of learning and skills. Since Learndirect launched in 2000 it has helped over three million people and thousands of businesses use the internet to gain qualifications in subjects such as maths, English, and IT.
Ian Crabb, former chief executive of Quadriga Worldwide, a wifi and wired products supplier, and a former member of the senior management team at private equity firm Permira, has been brought in as chairman of Ufi to assist with Learndirect growth.
The Pinsent Masons team advising LDC was led by corporate partner Peter Wood assisted by senior associate Michelle Kershaw and Amy Wright (corporate) and a team of specialists in commercial, IP, employment, pensions and insurance law. LDC was also advised by Deloitte.
Peter Wood commented: "We were pleased to advise LDC on this exciting deal which positions Learndirect to expand its services and compete more effectively in the wider marketplace by accessing a greater pool of potential customers."
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised leading European renewable energy independent power producer ERG on its acquisition of a 100% stake in a portfolio of seven operational onshore wind farms in Northern England from OnPath Energy Midco Limited, a subsidiary of OnPath Energy.
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised CSG Chemical Solutions (CSG) on their acquisition of Cork-based Celtic Water Care Solutions Limited (Celtic Water Care).
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group and the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, on its landmark investment of €25 million in Groupe EDK, Senegal’s foremost retail and large-scale distribution operator.
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised international cinema technology business INDY Cinema (INDY) on its acquisition by New York-based VERSANT, an industry-changing media and entertainment company.
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised Southeast Asia-based clean energy developer Alba Renewables on its acquisition by a leading global investment firm.
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised Great British Energy (“GBE”), the National Wealth Fund (“NWF”) and the Scottish National Investment Bank (“SNIB”) on their acquisition of a stake in Pentland Offshore Wind Farm from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (“CIP”) and agreed to provide an aggregate investment of up to £150,000,000 in the project.
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