RJD Partners has sold Babington to Unigestion
Babington
Babington is one of the UK’s leading providers of high-quality regulated and commercial training, supporting more than 6,000 learners across a broad portfolio of white-collar professional programs. Owned by RJD Partners since 2016, the business has been transformed from a top 25 regional training provider serving small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become the UK’s second largest apprenticeship organization with a prestigious client list including some of the UK’s best-known companies, many of which are in the financial services and insurance sectors. Babington is also a key partner for several UK government departments.
The Deal
Lincoln was appointed by Babington’s shareholders to help position the business and run a narrow auction involving a shortlist of carefully vetted trade and private equity investors who were knowledgeable of the government-funded training sector.
Following a competitive process, Unigestion, a Switzerland-based private equity firm with offices in London, emerged as the front runner. Investing alongside the current management team, led by Chief Executive Officer David Marsh, Unigestion will support management in achieving the next phase of organic and acquisitive growth.
Our Perspective
Edward Lethbridge, Managing Director and head of Lincoln International’s UK Business Services Group, commented, “Babington sits in the vanguard of the UK’s leading apprenticeship providers: highly regarded by learners, employers and its peers. We are pleased to have advised the shareholders on the sale and look forward to watching Babington take a lead role in consolidating the highly fragmented UK training market.”
Unigestion
Unigestion is an independent, specialist asset manager providing innovative, tailored solutions for investors worldwide. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Unigestion is responsible for over $19.4 billion in assets under management across its three areas of expertise: private equity, equities, multi-asset and wealth management.
We were delighted with the Lincoln team who navigated a difficult market to find an ideal partner for Babington's ambitions to become one of the UK's leading providers of high-quality corporate training.
Meet our Senior Team
I build trust with clients by putting their interests first at all times.
Aude Doyen
Managing Director & Co-head of Capital Advisory, Europe
London
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