Mindtools acquires Kineo creating global scale and breadth of comprehensive learning solutions
On 12 May, Mindtools, a global management and leadership skills development provider, owned by Cambridge Information Group (CIG), announces its acquisition of Kineo, a global provider of workplace learning solutions, from City & Guilds. This is a strategic move designed to significantly progress learning innovation, as well as democratize the provision of workplace learning, to a far greater number of customers globally
Shabnam Shahani, CEO Mindtools and Kineo, says:
“This is a great opportunity for both businesses and our people, which will enable us to grow internationally, as well as remain at the forefront of innovation in Learning and Development.
“The L&D market is incredibly fast-moving and is continually evolving, both empowered and disrupted by unique technology. This makes it imperative for L&D companies to innovate and grow via the consolidation of complementary capabilities. This acquisition enables both Kineo and Mindtools to leverage our combined L&D expertise to offer compelling workplace performance solutions to address a broader spectrum of customer needs, both domestically and internationally.
“With a combination of Mindtools' award-winning and evidence-informed learning experiences and Kineo’s technology and services leadership, we can offer complete learning solutions across content, courses, consultancy, platforms, managed services, analytics and thought leadership.”
Vicky Bartolacci, Executive Director, Kineo, says:
“These are exciting times for Kineo. Mindtools shares our vision of crafting exceptional learning experiences that drive real results and enable us to deliver the innovative learning solutions we are known for. This acquisition offers us the strategic fit with the dedicated focus, expertise, and complementary portfolio needed to support our continued growth.”
Pankaj Sharma, Managing Director and Head of Private Investments, CIG, says:
“We are delighted to welcome Kineo to the Mindtools family. We believe in building companies for long-term success and are passionate about learning. With complementary products, significant scale and shared expertise, Mindtools and Kineo can help deliver transformative results for organizations and individual customers worldwide.”
Employees and customers can expect business to continue as usual. We will continue to honor all customer relationships and deliver on promises.
Initially, Kineo and Mindtools will run as standalone businesses. They will combine over time into a single business to pass on to our customers the advantages of a fully interconnected portfolio across content, services, technology, and data.
City & Guilds and Kineo has been advised by IBIS Capital, a specialist investment bank and private investment firm with a focus on media, technology and service businesses in the education, training and work, and healthcare sectors.
Mindtools has been advised by Deloitte, who provided financial due diligence and debt advisory services in support of the transaction.
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About Mindtools
Mindtools is a global provider of accessible, on-demand skills development for managers and leaders, delivering practical tools, resources and insights to meet the demands of today’s dynamic workplaces. Its mission is to empower leaders at all levels to grow and thrive, creating a lasting, positive impact on their organizations.
Through M: Suite, an innovative range of tech-enabled management and leadership development solutions, Mindtools provides data-driven pathways that build the resilience, empathy and future-ready skills that leaders – and organizations – need to succeed. With nearly three decades of expertise, Mindtools redefines management and leadership development to make growth not only possible, but enduring.