Corporate finance deal announcement: Buzzacott advises NKD Learning on its sale to ITA Group

Overview of deal

We are delighted to have advised Sue Stoneman, the brilliant female-founder behind NKD, and her highly driven and values-oriented team, Michael Faulkner and Laurence Bishop, on their sale of the business to US buyer ITA Group. 

Who are the firms involved? 

NKD Learning is a market leader in providing outcomes-focused employee engagement and learning and development solutions to a global portfolio of customers, with the view to align and engage individuals and teams, and enhance business performance. 

ITA Group is a US-based provider of global, integrated engagement solutions that motivate and inspire employees, fuel advocacy and drive greater business results. 

What was unique about this deal and the challenges addressed

Given the nature of both NKD and ITA’s work, culture and strategic fit were paramount for both sets of shareholders to ensure a smooth transition for all employees and the realisation of potential synergies. We worked closely with the leadership team of NKD to understand the future vision of the company as well as its values and principles to ensure continued success in years to come. 

This deal was another cross-border transaction overseen by our team at Buzzacott, selling a UK-based business to a US buyer. Naturally, there were several nuances within the differing corporate, legal and accounting practices, which we navigated by working collaboratively with all parties and keeping the end goal in mind.

To see further transactions in the Business Services sector, please see our transactions page.

"Selling a business you founded, have nurtured and grown is always going to be a challenge - finding the perfect new owner, navigating the sales process, agreeing a fair price and dealing with the natural emotions that goes with all that - it’s a roller coaster of highs and lows.  And that’s why you need an ally alongside you who will provide wise counsel, who will sense check your thinking and will ensure you emerge at the other end feeling great about the process and the outcome.

The team at Buzzacott did just that - and more. I can’t recommend them highly enough for their expertise, professionalism, honesty and down to earth approach; and for bringing positivity and humour to the table too whenever it was needed by me and my team. Thank you for everything!"

-Sue Stoneman – Founder and Chairperson