In the latest in a series of strategic acquisitions, the company has acquired Horizon Teachers for an undisclosed sum in a deal funded by HSBC, with strategic support from its backer BGF – one of the largest growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland.

Based in Central London, Horizon Teachers is an education recruitment agency that works with primary, secondary and SEND (special educational needs and disability) schools, supplying teachers and support staff across London and the South-East.

It is the eighth acquisition by Operam and forms part of an ambitious ‘buy and build’ drive. The latest deal marks a significant milestone for Operam as it expands its reach beyond the North and the Midlands.

Commenting on the acquisition, Operam CEO Eddie Austin (pictured) said: “The acquisition of Horizon Teachers represents an important step forward, as the business moves confidently into the next phase of growth. In the last seven years we have established a strong platform that has enabled us to acquire highly complementary businesses that provide us with strength and depth – both from a sector perspective, as well as geographically.

“In the last 30 years, the sector has grown exponentially. However, the issue of staffing remains a real pain point for our clients in the education sector and one that we are committed to help address. Our supply staff workforce wants choice and flexibility – not only where they work, but the environment in which they work in. We can give them that choice, particularly as we grow the group through strategic acquisitions such as Horizon.”

Matt Hill and Nancy McDonnell founded Horizon Teachers in 2008. They said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to build upon the successes of the Horizon Teachers brand and to fast track the growth of the business. We are looking forward to entering this exciting new chapter with Operam Education Group.”

To date, Operam has acquired Provide Education, The Education Specialists, Teachers UK, Key Stage Teacher Supply, First for Education, Bridge Education and Provision Recruitment.

Advisers on the deal were Squires Patton Boggs (legals) on behalf of Operam Education Group, and for Horizon Teachers, Grant Thornton (corporate finance) and Howes Percival (legals).

BGF was established in 2011 and has invested £4bn in more than 560 growing businesses in the UK and Ireland.

Caption: Operam CEO Eddie Austin

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