YFM Equity Partners (YFM) has backed the management buyout of Antser Group – a leading, tech-driven provider of assessments and social care training with funding from Santander UK.
YFM’s investment into the buy-out will support the further development of the people, new service offerings along with acquisitions to accelerate growth.
The initial MBO will be funded, by Santander UK through its Growth Capital proposition.
As part of the transaction experienced James Greenbury has been appointed chairman.
Antser Group comprises of Carter Brown, a Mansfield-based provider of independent psychological, psychiatric and social work assessments for child-related safeguarding; and Antser Learning, a Birmingham-based VR-led, ‘behaviour change’ training tool for front-line children’s care practitioners.
Carter Brown and Antser Learning now deliver combined revenue of over £10m.
The transaction was led by CEO Richard Dooner, who said: “We are very excited about moving into the next phase of Antser Group’s journey, which wouldn’t be possible without YFM’s investment and the insight of its expert team.
“The Antser Group was born out of a desire to achieve positive change in the health and social care sectors through a connected and transformative approach. In the years since our founding, we have combined best practice with innovation and new and emerging technologies, so that we can lead the way in ‘doing things better’.
“Our goal now is to take our talent and technology and apply it to support better outcomes for even more children, families, vulnerable adults and communities.”
Stephen Murray, YFM investment director, added: “Antser Group is a prime example of the type of business that YFM seeks to back. It has an exceptional management team, a clear vision and has carved out strong positions for Carter Brown and Antser Learning – both of which are operating in high growth markets.
“Carter Brown, which is already the leading assessment provider in the UK, now has an opportunity to meet additional customer demand and expand into a number of new verticals.
“At the same time, Antser Learning, offers the potential to capitalise on rapid-growth in the wider VR-training sector. We look forward to seeing each opportunity come to fruition.”
Simon Clewlow, director of Santander Growth Capital, added: “As a growing business with a very clear market position and significant future opportunity, we’re delighted to be supporting Antser Group with this management buyout. We’re also hopeful that we can support with further funding in the future to enable the Group to reach its growth ambitions.”
YFM invests £2m to £10m into businesses with strong growth potential located across the UK through a regional network of offices in London, Leeds, Manchester, Reading and Birmingham.