Fox Williams advises the founders of Nelson Croom on the sale of shares to the Learning People

Fox Williams advised Alan Nelson and David Croom, the founders of Nelson Croom on its sale to the Learning People (a portfolio company of investment house Cow Corner). Nelson Croom is a company that develops and publishes the AccountingCPD online professional development courses, which are used by accountants worldwide.

Partner and Head of Publishing and Digital Content at Fox Williams, Mary Elliott, and associate, Chien-Wei Lui, advised on the deal.

Mary Elliott said: “This is a great outcome for the shareholders of Nelson Croom. It’s a company that Alan and David have spent over two decades building, so we’re extremely pleased to have worked with them in recent years and to have helped them secure this deal with Cow Corner that leaves the company in good hands. The deal also demonstrates our continued strength in advising on M&A deals in the publishing sector, especially in the digital sector”.

Alan Nelson of Nelson Croom said: “It was great to have Mary and Chien-Wei in our corner. They helped to guide us through the process, highlighting and demystifying the items of material importance and kept the deal whole. Indeed, at the end of the smooth process both sides were very happy with the outcome.”

David Croom of Nelson Croom said: “Fox Williams have been excellent professional advisers throughout. Prior to negotiating the sale of Nelson Croom, over the years Mary Elliott has given us very good advice.  During the deal, Mary and Chien-Wei were very efficient and reassuring at every stage. A first-class performance.”

Nelson Croom works in partnership with professional associations, companies and voluntary organisations to create online courses and resources to support qualifications, CPD and general professional development.

Cow Corner is a private equity firm with a particular focus on knowledge-based businesses that combine people with technology. Its portfolio business, the Learning People, is a leading provider of education services focusing on the IT and technology sector and the acquisition of Nelson Croom (and AccountingCPD) is part of their ambition to extend the offer of continuing professional development into other sectors.