Learning Experience has been mainly acquired by Harvest Partners, marking a significant takeover.
In a significant move that promises to reshape the landscape of early childhood education, Harvest Partners has completed a majority acquisition of The Learning Experience (TLE) from Golden Gate Capital. The deal, which includes Golden Gate retaining a minority interest in the company, marks a new chapter for TLE, with both parties expressing enthusiasm for the partnership.
Nicholas Romano, Partner at Harvest, expressed his excitement about partnering with TLE's team, praising the company's mission to positively impact children and families. Michael DeFlorio, CEO and Partner at Harvest, echoed this sentiment, emphasising TLE's unique brand, proprietary curriculum, and strong operational support that appeals to both parents and franchisees.
Richard Weissman, Co-Founder and CEO of TLE, expressed gratitude towards Harvest Partners for their faith in the company's potential. Weissman also highlighted TLE's achievements, such as tripling systemwide sales and expanding internationally and digitally.
DeFlorio praised the work done by TLE's team and franchisees in partnership with Golden Gate Capital, noting the company's distinction as one of the fastest growing and highest rated early childhood education providers in the country. Mike Montgomery, a Managing Director with Golden Gate Capital, expressed appreciation for TLE's exemplary vision, leadership, and partnership.
Ropes & Gray and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisors to Harvest, while Harris Williams served as financial advisor. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison served as legal advisor to Golden Gate and TLE.
Following the acquisition, TLE's growth strategy focuses on leveraging additional financial and strategic resources to support continued expansion and innovation in early childhood education. This includes expanding its franchising network, enhancing its digital and international presence through proprietary educational content such as "Bubbles and Friends," and accelerating market expansion with new investment and strategic support from Harvest Partners.
The management team, led by Weissman, will continue to lead TLE and maintain significant ownership, indicating continuity in leadership paired with the new capital and strategic partnership. DeFlorio expressed excitement about starting a new chapter with Harvest, aiming to scale TLE's impact to greater heights.
Based in Deerfield Beach, Florida, TLE is a premier provider of early childhood education for children aged six weeks to six years. With over 430 locations in the U.S. and the U.K., TLE provides state-of-the-art educational facilities and a proprietary curriculum designed to develop core academic and life skills in children.
In a key quote from the announcement, DeFlorio stated, "We have been pursuing early childhood education as a priority sector for several years and believe TLE is a premier platform in the industry." This acquisition marks a significant step forward in Harvest Partners' commitment to investing in and supporting the growth of innovative early childhood education companies.
The acquisition of The Learning Experience (TLE) by private equity firm Harvest Partners will not only expand TLE's financial resources but also equip it with strategic support to boost its growth and innovation in early childhood education. This deal, a result of Harvest's long-term interest in the education-and-self-development sector, aims to propel TLE to greater heights in its mission to provide top-notch education services.
