Alantra advises on the management buy-out of Findel Education backed by Endless

Apr 2021

Buy-side advisory

Birmingham – Alantra, the independent global mid-market investment banking firm, has advised Endless and the management team on the acquisition of Findel Education Limited from Studio Retail Group plc.

Findel Education is one of the UK’s leading ecommerce led suppliers of educational resources and equipment to schools and nurseries. It is a one-stop-shop for a wide range of everyday essential consumables and capital products, including stationery, arts & crafts, furniture, facilities management, curricular materials, outdoor and sports equipment.

The group has been trading since 1817 and over the years it has developed well-known brands, comprising GLS, Hope, Philip Harris and Davies Sports, which offer great value and service across an extensive product range in both the UK and overseas.

The management buy-out has been led by the existing management team of Chris Mahady (CEO), Mark Whittaker (CFO) and Martin Jones (CIO). The team will be further bolstered by the appointment of Paul McClenaghan (CEO of Victoria Plum) as Chairman following the acquisition.

The deal was led from Alantra’s Birmingham office by Keith Pickering, partner, and associate Tom Nash.​

Keith Pickering, partner at Alantra, commented, “We’re delighted to have worked alongside Endless and the management team to help them acquire Findel Education. Findel Education is one of the largest suppliers of educational resources in the UK and has successfully repositioned itself as a digital-first business in recent years. This investment by Endless creates an exciting new chapter in the development of the business and gives Findel Education a great platform to go from strength to strength.”

Andy Ross, Partner at Endless LLP, said “We are delighted to be backing Chris, Mark, Martin and the entire Findel Education team to deliver our shared vision for the business and look forward to working closely with them in the coming years. We believe that this is an exciting opportunity to acquire and develop a truly market leading business.”

Chris Mahady, Chief Executive of Findel Education, commented “We are pleased to have secured the investment from Endless and strongly believe that together we can develop the company at pace, through investing in our brands and capabilities in the wider schools and nurseries marketplace. We would also like to thank Studio Retail Group for the support they have given Findel Education during their ownership.”