Beech Tree are pleased to announce the successful exit of Learnlight to Synova Private Equity having originally backed the business in 2017. During Beech Tree’s investment period, Learnlight developed into the market leading digital-first language and skills training provider to multi-national corporations. In the last five years the business has increased EBITDA five fold and acquired businesses in Germany, Italy, Mexico and France.
Learnlight was founded by Benjamin Joseph (CEO) and Rupert Hillier (COO) in 2007 with the mission to improve people’s communication by providing language, inter-cultural and skills training. Learnlight has successfully disrupted the traditional face-to-face corporate language training market through its virtual training, where its teachers deliver bespoke lessons in real time via the Company’s best-in-class technology platform, supported by excellent customer service.
In recent years, there has been a structural shift in the delivery of language and skills training from face-to-face to virtual. Learnlight has capitalised on these trends and has scaled rapidly, growing its virtual training service by+40% p.a. It is now one of the largest digital-first platforms, delivering a service to over 1,200 customers across more than 40 countries. Learnlight works with global corporations with complex learning needs across multiple countries, with customers such as Siemens, Deutsche Telekom, and Hyundai.
Benjamin Joseph (CEO & Co-Founder) said “We are thrilled to have closed this chapter after five amazing years with Beech Tree. Together we have multiplied our revenues manyfold, taken our business global and become one of the undisputed leaders in the space. None of that would have been possible without their sage guidance, hands on attitude to navigating the inevitable adversities and pragmatic advice that comes from many years of successfully scaling businesses. We also had some great times on the journey!”
Rupert Hillier (COO & Co-founder) said “Our partnership with Beech Tree has been instrumental to making the right strategic decisions, seeing clearly where we can optimise the business, and having the expertise and confidence to make bold acquisitions. We are deeply grateful for their guidance, solidarity and the many good times shared along the way”.
The sale of Learnlight represents the third exit from Beech Tree PE Fund II, following the successful exits of Redstor and BCN.
