Mubadala Capital Invests in Witherslack Group in Partnership with Charme and Existing Management Team
Mubadala Capital, a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, today announced its investment in a majority shareholding of Witherslack Group (“Witherslack” or the “Group”), a leading operator of schools and associated home accommodations in the special educational needs sector in the UK. Existing investors Charme Capital Partners and Livingbridge will remain as minority shareholders of the Group.
Mubadala Capital’s investment will provide long-term stability and support for Witherslack’s continued development, supporting the creation of new jobs and key services for young people with special education needs as the Group looks to grow its presence in the UK and the Middle East.
Adib Mattar, Head of Private Equity at Mubadala Capital, said: “Mubadala Capital’s foundations lie in the ability to identify exceptional management teams that create enduring businesses that remain relevant over multiple generations – Witherslack is a perfect example of this. Phil Jones and the Witherslack team have spent the last decade building a company that addresses a major societal need for specialized services while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, empathy and care. We look forward to continuing to build on that progress while exploring opportunities to bring Witherslack’s knowledge and expertise to the Middle East.”
Phil Jones, CEO of Witherslack Group, added: “Mubadala Capital shares our dedication to the highest standards of education and care and we look forward to working with them to grow our operations further. Their support for Witherslack Group will enable the continued expansion of our services, improving outcomes for more children and young people with special educational needs.”
Headquartered in Cumbria, England, Witherslack is a leading provider of specialist education and care for children and young people with special educational needs. With 18 schools, 18 children’s homes and 7 integrated learning centers located across England, the Group has grown organically to become the foremost national provider of specialist education, as well as a provider of advice and support to parents, carers and their families.
Under Charme Capital Partners and Livingbridge’s ownership, Witherslack has recently invested over £80 million into new school settings and organically developed the highest Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (“Ofsted”) rated Special Educational Needs schools in the country, with 96% of its settings currently rated “Outstanding” or “Good”.
All shareholders remain firmly committed to maintaining Witherslack’s excellent educational and care standards. Mubadala Capital’s investment will assist the development of additional education, therapeutic and residential care settings, helping to improve the lives of even more children and young people across the UK, as well as providing opportunities to deliver the same world-class care in the Middle East.
About Mubadala Capital
Mubadala Capital is a subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, a leading global sovereign investor headquartered in Abu Dhabi. In addition to managing its own balance sheet investments, Mubadala Capital manages c. $9 billion in third-party capital vehicles on behalf of institutional investors in all of its businesses, including three private equity funds, two early stage venture funds, a public fund and a fund in Brazil focused on special situations.
About Witherslack Group
Witherslack Group is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education and care for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties (autistic spectrum conditions, Asperger’s Syndrome, speech, language and communication needs) and complex learning needs.
Our focus on support, care and acceptance allows each young person to develop as an independent individual, equipped with the knowledge, experience and life skills to look to the future with increased confidence and aspiration. This is achieved through our dedicated teaching, care and therapeutic professionals who combine to create a unique and inspirational environment for every child. Their commitment and ability to genuinely connect with each child allows us to achieve long lasting outcomes and fulfil the ambitions of our young people.
We go the extra mile for all of our young people to ensure that their time in our schools and children’s homes gives them the foundations and ambitions to create their own story of success.