Team secure sale of Riverston Group schools

Background

Originally founded in 1926 and based in London, Riverston School is a non-selective education provider specialising in supporting children with a wide range of speech, language and communication difficulties. It’s sister school, Beech Hall, is a long-established, independent school situated on the edge of the Peak District National Park. Together the two schools comprise the Riverston Group, providing a highly personalised and individual education for children from six months to 16 years of age. Our Corporate Finance team were appointed by the family owners of the Group to complete a full sales process and find a suitable buyer for the schools.

Action

Our Corporate Finance team identified a number of potential trade buyers and private equity investors, marketing the opportunity fully to find those which offered the best fit with the Group’s educational approach and development strategy. Multiple offers were received, and eventually the Group entered into exclusivity with well-established education provider, Chatsworth Schools.

Outcome

Once Chatsworth Schools had been selected as the preferred partner, our team helped to structure the deal and project manage the process through to a successful completion, delivering an excellent outcome for the owners which also saw the Chairman of the Riverston Group join Chatsworth Schools as a Governor.

“The next stage in the growth of our schools will be greatly enhanced by the involvement of a broader educational team, which can deepen the range of experience, collaboration and support available.” Professor Michael Lewis, Governor at Chatsworth Schools.