Online Education Services (OES) Acquires Majority Stake in Construct

South East based law firm, Rix & Kay, has advised the shareholders of Construct on a majority share sale to Melbourne-based Online Education Services (OES). Construct is a global leader in online learning design with locations in London, US and South Africa.

Construct and OES share a vision of an academic-led, learner-centric approach to online learning.

Together, they serve learners in more than 190 countries to enable a fast, financially viable and student-focused offering in online education. They work with education partners to develop world-class online programs that provide a rich and immersive learning experience.

Construct helps organisations with learners – like schools, universities, and employers – create cutting edge digital learning experiences. It delivers these experiences to millions of people all over the world.

By working together, the organisations will provide customers with enhanced expertise and deeper analytics, increased flexibility, and global client support.

“This announcement is hugely important for our companies and customers as we combine our strength and expertise to serve more learners on a truly global level,” said David Philipps, CEO of Construct. “The past few years have brought strong growth and solid financial performance, and we look forward to continued success as we work with OES.”

Construct has become a majority-owned subsidiary of OES and continues to operate under its own brand from its offices in Salt Lake City, London, and Cape Town.

Kathryn Paisley, Partner and Head of Corporate at Rix & Kay, who led the transaction on behalf of the principal shareholders of Construct, commented,

“We have been working closely with the principal shareholders of Construct. In such unprecedented times we have certainly experienced some challenging moments but we have remained focused and committed to seeing the deal through. I’m thrilled that is has now completed and the value this transaction brings to both organisations is significant.”

The deal also involved input from Rix & Kay’s wider business services team including support from Employment Partner, Victoria Regan.

Alan Diamond, Partner at Pinsent Masons LLP, led the transaction on behalf of OES.

Denice Pitt, CEO of OES commented,

“The investment in Construct builds on our purpose to deliver quality online learning for partner universities and organisations, and their students, regardless of location. Our shared people-first focus and combined expertise in education means that, together, we provide unrivalled service to universities and higher education providers looking to deliver high quality online programs.”