Osborne Clarke advises Wilmington on £30m+ acquisition of Phoenix Health & Safety

Osborne Clarke has advised long-standing client Wilmington plc ("Wilmington"), the UK listed provider of data, information, education and training in the global Governance, Risk and Compliance markets, on the acquisition of Phoenix HSC (UK) Limited ("Phoenix") for an initial cash consideration of £30.25 million, with additional contingent consideration payable based on Phoenix's financial performance in each of the three years ending 31 March 2028.

Phoenix delivers training to global blue-chip clients and industry professionals for a wide range of internationally recognised health, safety and environmental qualifications. The acquisition strengthens Wilmington’s capabilities in the provision of must-have training and education to regulated customers. The acquisition is consistent with Wilmington’s strategic aim to build on its already strong presence in large and growing GRC markets.

Osborne Clarke understand our sector and most importantly understand Wilmington

Richard Shamsi, COO of Wilmington

Richard Shamsi, COO of Wilmington, said: "We are truly delighted by Phoenix joining the Wilmington family. Osborne Clarke, led by Jonathan King, again demonstrated their expert guidance and experience, helped ensure a smooth, speedy and successful transaction. 

"Osborne Clarke understand our sector and most importantly understand Wilmington. A huge thank you to the entire team at Osborne Clarke for its support across all aspects of this transaction and for the strong relationship we have formed over the last few years on our M&A activity. It has made working with them again a pleasure."

With Osborne Clarke having previously advised Wilmington on their acquisition of Astutis less than a year ago, it has been a pleasure to have partnered them on yet another successful transaction in the sector 

Jonathan King, Corporate Partner at Osborne Clarke

Jonathan King, Corporate Partner at Osborne Clarke, said: "We are delighted to have acted for the Wilmington team once again on their strategic M&A.

"With Osborne Clarke having previously advised Wilmington on their acquisition of Astutis less than a year ago, it has been a pleasure to have partnered them on yet another successful transaction in the sector which further strengthens their capabilities in the growing health, safety and environmental training market."

The Osborne Clarke team was led by Corporate Partner Jonathan King, supported by Associate Director Chris Benjamin, Senior Associate Oliver Woods and Associate Tim Rouse. Partner Mathew Oliver and Senior Associates Helena Zaba and Stuart Rose advised on tax and share incentives matters. Associate Tegan Osborne-Brown and Consultant Frances Lewis advised on Employment and Contingent Workforce matters, and Associate Director Marie-Claire Day and Associates Ian Solomon and Ben Hillier provided commercial advice.

Osborne Clarke's Corporate team is considered a go-to practice for many companies, working with global businesses in a range of sectors including retail and consumer. The team advises at every stage of company development across all corporate issues, from equity and debt fundraisings to M&A, IPOs and JVs.