Valleys training and education provider Educ8 Training has acquired a Swansea-based digital solutions company.
The Ystrad Mynach-based firm secured Aspire 2Be which delivers bespoke digital learning to the global education and business sector and is the only UK based professional development partner of all three tech giants - Apple, Google and Microsoft.
The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
Cardiff-based corporate advisory firm GS Verde Group advised throughout the transaction.
Simon Pridham, managing director of Aspire 2Be will continue to run the business and join the Educ8 Training Group board.
The deal is Educ8’s fourth acquisition in recent years following the purchase of NTS in 2015 and ISA Training in 2018.
In January this year, the firm announced its expansion into England after acquiring equine trainer Haddon Training in Berkshire.
Earlier this month, it transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust model, with staff becoming majority shareholders in the company taking a 51% interest.
Mr Pridham said: “Educ8’s impressive track record and recent transition to employee-ownership posed a truly exciting opportunity to join a dynamic group where staff are rewarded for the fast growth they help realise.”
He added: “Never before has the demand for remote working and learning been so evident. The partnership of Educ8 and Aspire can help address these digital skills gaps, delivering innovative, high-quality training opportunities.”
Grant Santos, Educ8 chief executive, said: “After a number of exciting business developments, the acquisition of Aspire 2Be will enhance our delivery of high-quality training, support our digital transformation strategy and continue our passion for ensuring our learners, employers and staff reach their full potential.”
Mr Santos added: “Since Educ8 was founded in 2004 to address skills shortages in Wales it has been a key provider of apprenticeships and vocational learning, working with employers of all sizes, from micro-organisations, through to SMEs and global multinational corporations.”
Educ8 offers apprenticeships and training in the workplace across a range of sectors including leadership and management, digital marketing, childcare, hair, beauty and health and social care.
The business now delivers more than 30 apprenticeships to over 800 businesses and nearly 2,000 learners across Wales. It currently employs over 180 staff.
