Humly acquires M2 Education in confidential transaction

A North East education specialist has entered into an undisclosed acquisition agreement with a Swedish group.

M2 Education Ltd, a staffing firm with offices in Newcastle and Preston, has been acquired by Humly, an internationally recognized organization backed by private equity. This strategic move aims to support Humly’s ongoing growth strategy and the implementation of cutting-edge technology. Co-founded by Mark Birnie and Melissa Kumar, M2 Education Ltd specializes in placing teachers, teaching assistants, and tutors in both permanent and temporary positions within primary, secondary, and Special Education Needs (SEND) establishments across the Newcastle, Cumbria, and Lancashire regions.

This acquisition of M2 Education Ltd represents the fifth transaction in the UK for Humly, a tech-focused education staffing company. It bolsters Humly’s standing within the education recruitment sector, allowing schools to access skilled and qualified teachers and teaching assistants through an efficient, automated platform.

M2 Education will integrate Humly’s technology to enhance its services for both existing and new clients, aiming to improve the overall user experience and operational efficiency for educational institutions and candidates alike. The company will continue to be managed by its existing leadership team, collaborating closely with Humly. The founders of M2 Education will remain actively involved in the business for a specified handover period before their eventual departure.

Throughout this transaction, the founders received advisory support from Ryecroft Glenton (RGCF), led by partner and head of corporate finance, Carl Swansbury. The team at RGCF included CF manager Adam Tindale and CF executive Ben Kain. Legal counsel was provided by Swinburne Maddison LLP, based in Durham, with corporate and commercial partner Craig Malarkey taking the lead. Additionally, tax advice was offered by MHA Moor and Smalley. On behalf of Humly, BDO conducted financial due diligence, and legal guidance was provided by White & Black Solicitors.

Mr Birnie said: “We are exceptionally proud of the position we have carved out in the education staffing sector, generating strong relationships with both candidates and schools to deliver high-quality, compliance focused services and solutions. There are lots of synergies between M2 and Humly and we are confident that its international market experience and technology will help accelerate M2’s growth.”

Alex Shanks, head of M&A and integration at Humly, said: “M2 Education is an ideal addition to our UK portfolio of education staffing businesses. Mark, Melissa and the management team have built a solid, dynamic business, which will benefit further from the introduction of our intuitive and effective technology solutions alongside being part of our network.”

Mr Swansbury added: “Humly is a highly respected international, PE-backed business in the sector and will bring added value and technological advances to M2 Education. This transaction not only demonstrates RGCF’s ability and knowledge of the education staffing sector, but also our expertise in advising on the sale of UK businesses to PE-backed, international acquirers. I look forward to seeing M2 Education continue to go from strength to strength, as part of Humly.”