The Corporate team at independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised specialist IT and Digital training company, Firebrand Training, on its acquisition by global leader in professional and vocational education, BPP Education Group.
The partnership will provide valuable growth opportunities for both Firebrand and BPP and will create revenue synergies to support the delivery of each entity’s growth strategy. BPP’s support and commitment will allow Firebrand to fast-track its growth trajectory, whilst further investing in improving quality, customer experience, and expanding its offering to serve the growing demands of learners and companies for specialist IT skills and training.
Following this transaction, Firebrand will continue to run as an independent business, under the leadership and management of its existing teams. BPP will work with Firebrand to share best practice and extend the opportunities available to Firebrand as a member of the BPP Education Group.
The Burges Salmon team advising on the deal was led by Corporate director Tim Roberts with support from Corporate partners Richard Spink and Nigel Watson, Corporate solicitors Sophie Potter and Elena Visser, Tax team members Ian Carnochan (partner) and Claire Withers (solicitor) and Pip Galland (senior associate) in the Employment team.
Rob Chapman, Firebrand Co-CEO, says: “The team at Burges Salmon have been incredible throughout. They’ve worked tirelessly on our behalf, shepherded us through the process, explained everything and most importantly negotiated the best possible outcome. I really cannot recommend them more highly.”
Tim Roberts concludes: “We are proud to have worked closely in collaboration with the Firebrand team to help it become part of the BPP Education Group and play our part in creating this exciting new partnership.”
Firebrand delivers accelerated technical and skills training in the form of IT certifications, IT apprenticeships, and intensive IT skills bootcamps across the UK and Europe. Established in 2001, Firebrand has become a leading provider of IT and Digital training with industry recognised certifications. In 2012, Firebrand started to deliver IT apprenticeships that were developed alongside leading employers in the IT industry to provide cutting edge digital skills.
BPP Education Group provides education and training in law, business, finance, accountancy, banking, technology, psychology, and nursing both through relationships with corporates and directly to consumers across test preparation, university, apprenticeship and professional development. Established for over 45 years, BPP’s education is delivered to be as real-world, relevant and innovative as possible.