Ward Hadaway has provided legal advice to the new owners of Mitre Group on the buyout of the business from founder Trevor Bowmer.
Peter George and Robin Sibson, the former Clinigen Group CEO and CFO, were advised on the acquisition of the sports and stadia training specialist by a team from Ward Hadaway’s Leeds office, led by corporate associate Catherine Hinchliffe.
Mitre Group works with many of the country’s leading sports organisations to deliver a range of training programmes including apprenticeships, staff development courses and pre-employment schemes covering areas including coach education, sports development, youth work and stadia safety.
The company, which is based in Derbyshire, is a recognised Training Organisation by the Government’s Skills Funding Agency and has supported over 4,000 organisations and 20,000 individuals gain access to funding for its programmes.
Hinchliffe said: “We are delighted to have assisted Peter and Robin on the successful acquisition of Mitre Group.
“Having known them over a number of years, we were really pleased to have been called on again to help with this transaction. Peter and Robin have a fantastic track record in developing and nurturing high quality businesses over the years and we wish them all the best with this latest venture.”
George and Sibson led the £164m Clinigen group flotation on the AIM market in 2012. As well as being the new owners of Mitre Group, the duo are now investors and directors in the Mount Cook Adventure Centre – a not-for-profit centre on the outskirts of the Peak District – and investors in UK Challenge – the country’s leading outdoor corporate team building event.
George, now chairman of Mitre Group, said: “It was important to us that this project was completed quickly and Catherine and the team worked really hard to deliver the right result for us and for Trevor and management.
“I am delighted to be part of Mitre and what is an outstanding team, we share a common set of values and are committed to improving the life chances of more people through training and creation of opportunity.
“Both Robin and I believe our experience coupled with the potential at Mitre can combine to achieve its growth ambitions and fulfill its potential.”
PICTURED: Catherine Hinchliffe, corporate associate at Ward Hadaway
