Educ8 Training has acquired Berkshire-based Haddon Training, underpinning the group's plans to expand into England, in a deal advised on by the GS Verde Group.

The deal sees Educ8 complete its third acquisition in the last few years, with the GS Verde Group supporting their buy and build strategy for many years. It follows the previous acquisitions of NTS in 2015 and ISA Training in 2018, and will result in the group's turnover reaching £13.5m.

The company was awarded No.1 Best Mid-sized Company to Work For and No.1 Best Education and Training Company in the UK in 2021. It has seen significant growth and employs over 180 staff.

Offering apprenticeships and training in the workplace, Educ8 works across a range of sectors, from leadership and management, digital marketing and childcare, to hair, beauty and health and social care.

Grant Santos, CEO of Educ8 Training said: "Haddon Training is a prestigious and well-respected provider. We are delighted to be given the opportunity to take the business forward as part of our group. Our ambition is to invest in the infrastructure and resources and grow the business over the next five years."

The acquisition of Haddon Training sees Educ8 not only expanding its footprint in the UK, but also its range of training; with Haddon Training specialising in the equine sector, as well as delivering apprenticeships in animal care, zookeeping and business. Haddon Training will continue to operate as a separate entity but as part of the Educ8 Group.

Colin Tucker, Chairman of Educ8 Training said: "We are very excited about the future. Educ8 Training is one of the top work based learning providers in Wales, contracted by Welsh Government to deliver apprenticeships. Our expansion into England means we can now work with even more businesses to help them develop their workforce."

The GS Verde Group are business focused experts in getting deals done. The group combines multiple disciplines including law, tax, finance and communications, to provide end-to-end support as a complete advisory team.