INDUSTRY
Founded in 1974, Bligh Appointments was a leading independent supplier of temporary nursery staff, serving a wide network of clients across the Greater London area.
Bligh Appointments’ founder and majority shareholder, Beverley Wilkinson, was looking to retire from running the business in order to spend more time with her family. She instructed Avondale to help her sell the company and identify a suitable acquirer. Avondale conducted in-depth research of the marketplace and made a number of discreet enquiries to potential buyers. This generated a significant volume of interest from a range of trade and private equity buyers.
With a shortlist drawn up, preliminary discussions ensued with a select number of bidders. Learn Plus, a provider of childcare training courses and qualifications, emerged as a natural fit, offering a number of synergies that could help Bligh Appointments grow and diversify. Due to a complication with a minority shareholder, Avondale felt a net asset and goodwill sale represented the best sale option. This innovative choice of deal structure saw the transaction proceed swiftly without complication.
To ensure a smooth post-acquisition integration, Mrs Wilkinson agreed to stay on with the company in an advisory capacity to pass on her knowledge and expertise to the new owners. Having successfully completed the handover period he is now enjoying a much-deserved retirement in the company of her loved ones.
