Acquisition of LearnPerfect by the Nova Formation division of the Ophiliam fund
Largillière Finance advises the investment fund Ophiliam and Nova Formation in the acquisition of LearnPerfect
- 2nd build-up for Nova Formation
- Strengthening and diversification of the BtoB offer
- Acceleration of the digitalization of the new entity
- Consolidation of Largillière Finance’s expertise in M&A in the training sector
Created in 2009, Nova Formation is present in 23 cities in France and trains both the general public and professionals. When it was integrated into the Ophiliam fund in 2018, Nova Formation set itself a goal: to become a leading player in the rapidly expanding training market.
A first external growth operation was carried out in 2021 with Royer Robin Associés, expanding the offer towards training related to the fields of management-consulting, HR and quality.
Founded in 2002 by Stéphane Molinaro, an Edtech serial entrepreneur, LearnPerfect specializes in European language training, particularly English, and is a benchmark for training in computer and digital applications. Even before the health crisis, LearnPerfect had developed distance and blended learning programs that give it an undeniable lead. The numbers speak for themselves: over 40,000 learners trained, 500 virtual classroom training modules, and over 360 clients.
With the contribution of LearnPerfect, whose management team will remain in place, the new entity will have an expanded training catalog, particularly in the area of languages, as well as extensive expertise and shared resources in the area of digital learning, which will complement the 10 physical locations in mainland France, and a balanced distribution between B2B and B2C while maintaining the highest standards of quality – all major assets to meet the new demands in training post Covid, which allows it to quickly target a turnover close to 10 M€.
The successful process led by Largillière Finance was based on its good knowledge of the training sector and its challenges.
2022
Largillière Finance Experts
- Shamir Razavhoussen
Counterpart
We are delighted to be embarking on a new stage of development with NOVA FORMATION, whose particularly ambitious strategy has won us over with its relevance. We immediately perceived the numerous complementarities and synergies that existed between us around digital learning, but above all, it was the professional and human qualities of the group that confirmed our choice.
Stéphane Molinaro
CEO of LearnPerfect
In the post-covid era, many people are choosing to redesign their professional careers. In this context, the quality and diversity of learning are essential parameters for developing skills, particularly through distance learning tools. This is why Nova Formation is equipped with business experts and benefits from the best existing certifications. We are delighted with this partnership with LearnPerfect, which will enable us to strengthen digital learning and make our training courses accessible to as many people as possible.
Frédéric Delfieu
Director at Nova Formation
The training sector is still very fragmented, but, under the effect of regulatory changes, particularly in terms of certification, as well as digitalization, it should quickly consolidate around solid players offering a panel of recognized quality training. With the acquisition of LearnPerfect, we have completed our third transaction in less than a year in the sector.
Shamir Razavhoussen
Associate Director at Largillière Finance
Largillière Finance, the independent M&A advisor for growth companies
As an independent specialist in mid-cap transactions, Largillière Finance advises executives and shareholders on their capital transactions, including disposals, acquisitions, LBOs, financing solutions (equity and/or debt), financial engineering (valuation, etc.) and financial strategy advisory.
With more than 45 investment bankers and professionals, a strong presence in Paris, across the French regions (Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes) and internationally, Largillière Finance has completed nearly 400 transactions and established itself as a leading market player.
Largillière Finance is a member of REACH Cross-Border M&A, a global M&A advisory network specialized in the mid-market segment, bringing together more than 400 investment bankers across major financial centers in over 30 countries.
