Go to deals
Business Support Services | Consumer & Retail | Private Equity

Improve International has raised funds

June 2021 — Improve International Limited has completed its recapitalization through a US$7.7 million revolving credit facility provided by Santander. In June 2020, Improve International, a carve-out from Benchmark Holdings Plc, was sold to RJD Partners. The deal was equity-underwritten by RJD at the time, with the intention to repay capital 12 months later.

Founded in 1998, Improve International is the UK’s largest private provider (and a global provider) of postgraduate training for all veterinary practice staff. Improve’s primary business is the delivery of veterinarian training, with courses focused on CPD and postgraduate qualifications. The group also has another arm, ISVPS, which provides independent accreditation and certification of Improve’s courses. The business has 84 employees and operates from offices in Swindon, UK, and Porto, Portugal.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins Cavendish’s debt advisory team, based in the UK, supported Improve International through a full debt raising process, inclusive of preparing a lender information pack, review of financial model, agreeing lender approach, engaging with the lending community, arranging management presentations, overlaying the covenant structure into the finalized model, review of terms sheets, negotiating the most appropriate terms, navigating Santander through their final credit approval committee and leading negotiations on legal documentation.

“The new debt facility from Santander UK is one of a range of options we considered; however, the ultimate financing structure ticked a number of boxes. The facility has enabled us to reduce the business’ cost of capital as well as setting up the perfect platform to execute our growth strategy. The support of the Oaklins team was fantastic and enabled me to keep most of my focus on the business whilst having full ownership at critical milestones during the process.”

Chris Convey

CFO, Improve International Limited

Talk to the deal team

Alistair Hay

Partner
London, United Kingdom
Oaklins Cavendish

Krishan Raval

Director
London, United Kingdom
Oaklins Cavendish

Related deals

Comtax has been acquired by Ryan
Private Equity | Business Support Services | TMT

Comtax has been acquired by Ryan

Comtax, a São Paulo-based tax technology consultancy specializing in tax determination and digital tax compliance, had been acquired by Ryan, the world’s largest firm dedicated exclusively to business taxes. The transaction marks Ryan’s entry into the Brazilian market, adding a specialized team and an established base of large corporate clients in Brazil, one of the world’s most complex tax environments, at a time when the country’s consumption tax reform is set to reshape how companies calculate and report indirect taxes. For Comtax, the acquisition brings access to Ryan’s global platform, technology and client network across more than 80 countries, creating opportunities to scale its tax determination and compliance offering beyond its current footprint. Comtax’s founders will continue to lead the business.

Learn more
Cibus has acquired Aweta from Standard Investment
Private Equity | Agriculture | Industrial Machinery & Components

Cibus has acquired Aweta from Standard Investment

Standard Investment has reached an agreement with Cibus Capital, advisor to the Cibus funds, on the sale of Aweta, a global leader in fruit and vegetable sorting, grading and packing equipment. Completion of the transaction is expected in the coming weeks. The transaction provides Aweta with a strong partner to support the company’s next growth phase. Under Cibus’ ownership, Aweta will pursue further international growth and accelerate investment in R&D, supporting the installed base and product innovation, including software and AI capabilities. Aweta’s leadership team will continue to lead the business.

Learn more
GroGlass has been acquired by Apogee Enterprises
Private Equity | Other Industries

GroGlass has been acquired by Apogee Enterprises

Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: APOG), a leading US provider of architectural building products, services and high-performance coated materials, has acquired GroGlass, a Latvia-based developer and manufacturer of high-performance anti-reflective and UV-protective glass coatings. The acquisition brings GroGlass’ differentiated coating technologies and materials science expertise into Apogee’s performance surfaces segment, broadening its product offering and market reach while expanding its manufacturing and R&D presence in Europe.

Learn more