Juniper Education, the Horizon Capital backed education software company, has undertaken a significant refinancing with debt provider Muzinich & Co joining existing lender Clydesdale bank to bolster its acquisition chest to £60m.
The funds will help consolidate the company’s position in the fragmented schools software market and enable product development and further acquisitions. Juniper Education appointed Clearwater International as advisers to the transaction.
Formed in June 2019 and backed by a £20 million equity commitment from Horizon Capital, Juniper Education’s SaaS software and subscription services increase the effectiveness of schools, help improve outcomes for learners and create more child-time for teachers.
The company has rapidly expanded through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, reinforcing its ambition to deliver to schools the best software to support effective education integrated with innovative management information and results-driven services all from the same provider. Juniper expects to continue its buy-and-build strategy whilst also investing in innovation and software development.
”Gavin Freed, chairman of Juniper Education, said: “Our goal is to make life easier for schools and multi academy trusts by giving them first-rate software and solutions from a specialist education only provider with a pedigree they can trust. We have more plans for strategic acquisitions this year, so with this new financial firepower we are in a great position to achieve our ambition.”
Gavin FreedChairman, Juniper Education
”John Clifford, Co-Head UK Private Debt, Muzinich & Co said: "Juniper Education is a progressive company with exciting plans to support schools in their pursuit of advancement and we’re looking forward to helping them enhance and achieve their growth plans.”
John CliffordCo-Head, UK Private Debt, Muzinich & Co
”Simon Hitchcock, managing partner at Horizon Capital, investor in Juniper Education, said: “The acquisitions Juniper Education has made in the past 12 months have provided a strong foundation to establish the company as a leading software provider in the education market. This additional funding is an exciting development for the organisation and we look forward to continuing to support the management team’s ambitious growth plans.”
Simon HitchcockManaging Partner, Horizon Capital
