Learnlight, the global B2B language and skills ed-tech platform has acquired IBE, a leading Italian language training company.

Learnlight, backed by Beech Tree Private Equity, continues its series of acquisitions in key markets including Spain, Italy, UK, France and Germany as part of its global strategic expansion. Learnlight's strategy is to grow organically across Europe strengthening this growth by making key strategic acquisitions across Europe's largest markets.

IBE specializes in providing blended language learning solutions to some of Italy's biggest companies, operating from their headquarters in Milan. They have clients such as Intesa San Paolo, Pirelli and Roche in their portfolio.

Benjamin Joseph, CEO of Learnlight, said: "We are really excited about this acquisition. Italy is one of the largest language training markets in Europe and Learnlight, as experts in digital transformation, are ideally positioned to support companies on their journey to a more modern approach to developing these competencies. IBE is a known and trusted partner with a reputation for high quality and excellent service, an ideal base from which to launch Learnlight in the country."

Paolo Bevilacqua, CEO of IBE shares: "Languages and effective communication are crucial to help businesses do the best work possible, aiding them to do so is what pride ourselves on at IBE. This acquisition comes at a good time, where L&D, HR and Talent decision-makers are more receptive to making changes and investing in their training. More importantly, this opportunity will benefit our clients as we expand our current language offerings."

Adam Rudd, Director of Beech Tree Private Equity, said: "We welcome Paolo and the team at IBE to the Learnlight Group, we are excited by the opportunity to accelerate the growth of Learnlight's virtual language training platform into the Italian market. The acquisition continues Learnlight's strategy of organic growth across Europe coupled with key strategic acquisitions to gain further traction in the largest language training markets across Europe".

As more and more people work from home, the shift to digital and virtual learning is rising. Learnlight has been pioneering these solutions for over a decade and is excited to support companies in Italy to ideally prepare their workforce to work across multilingual and multicultural teams.

Learnlight was advised by James Kerrigan and Chris Wilson (DLA piper), Christophe Hinz (Rödl & Partner), Katherine Kay (PWC Tax structuring)

About Learnlight

Learnlight provides language, intercultural and soft skills training to blue chips and international organizations around the world. Learnlight uses a blend of cutting-edge technology and world-class instructor-led training to equip employees with the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and global business environment. Learnlight currently delivers blended virtual and face-to-face services to more than 1,500 clients with over 100,000+ active learners in more than 150 countries.