Inspirit Capital, a UK-based investment firm, has entered into a definitive agreement with Wiley (NYSE:WLY), one of the world's largest publishers and a global leader in research and learning, to acquire Wiley Edge ("Edge"), an early-career talent, training and placement business serving global employers. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Edge is an industry-leading provider of Hire, Train, Deploy ("HTD") talent solutions, supporting multinational employers by sourcing, training and deploying high-potential entry-level talent on a contract-to-hire basis. Currently operating in 11 countries, the business plays an important role in addressing the enduring global skills gaps in high-demand areas of technology and business. Edge has a leading recruitment and selection operation, with access to diverse talent around the globe, and delivers bootcamp-style courses through its Academy. In addition to its core early-career HTD services, Edge also offers tailored training programs to reskill clients' existing workforces, enhancing employee retention and helping employers address internal skill gaps in an increasingly competitive global labor market.
Inspirit Capital is a London-based investment firm that specialises in acquiring businesses that are no longer core to their parent company's strategic objectives and require a different ownership structure to achieve their full potential. Inspirit manages capital on behalf of a blue-chip institutional investor base.
"We are delighted to be investing in Edge. The business has a unique global footprint and deep relationships with an impressive array of market-leading clients," said Will Stamp, Founding Partner at Inspirit Capital. "We believe that the compelling value proposition Edge provides will continue to become increasingly important for both employers and entry-level talent."
"Inspirit Capital's acquisition of Edge will open up new avenues to support Edge's exceptional colleagues and valued institutional clients," said Wiley's Interim CEO, Matthew Kissner. "This agreement also represents another significant step forward in our journey towards a simpler Wiley, focused on our strongest market opportunities in Research and Learning."
Inspirit is being advised on the transaction by Lincoln International (M&A), EY (Financing) and Mayer Brown International (Legal).
Wiley is being advised on the transaction by Rothschild & Co and Centerview Partners (M&A), and Weil Gotshal & Manges (Legal).
About Inspirit Capital
Inspirit is an investment firm based in London, UK, that manages committed capital on behalf of various blue-chip institutional investors. Inspirit invests in great businesses across a range of industries that are typically being divested by global corporations. With a long-term mindset, Inspirit has a strong track record of reinvigorating businesses into stand-alone, entrepreneurial organisations. Inspirit is led by its founders, Will Stamp and Albert Farrant, who have a combined 30 years' investment experience.
About Wiley
Wiley is a knowledge company and a global leader in research, publishing, and knowledge solutions. Dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge, Wiley serves the world's researchers, learners, innovators, and leaders, helping them achieve their goals and solve the world's most important challenges. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at Wiley.com.
