Management buyout safeguards DSW’s future

A Yorkshire learning and assessment provider has completed a management buyout designed to safeguard its independence and support its long-term growth.

DSW & Co Ltd, based in Doncaster, has transferred ownership to its executive leadership team following a management buyout led by chief executive David Pearson, alongside investment from colleagues across the business.

David says the new ownership structure has been introduced to protect the company’s values, client-focused approach and established ways of working, while ensuring continuity for clients, employees, associates and suppliers.

He said: “This buyout is about continuity, stability and confidence for our clients, colleagues, associates and partners. 

“DSW will continue to be led by people who understand the business and care deeply about its future and our focus remains firmly on delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients across both our assessment and learning services divisions. 

“The values, culture and client-first approach that have shaped DSW since inception some 27 years ago will remain at the heart of everything, we do as we move into this next chapter.”

Founded 27 years ago, DSW provides assessment, awarding and commercial learning services to organisations across the UK.

The transition places ownership with the existing leadership team, who will continue to oversee the business and build on its long-standing relationships with customers and partners.

As part of the succession plan, founder Patrick Doran will become non-executive chairman at the end of 2026, where he will continue supporting the leadership team and the company's strategic direction.

Patrick added: “It is an exciting development for the DSW MBO team and all of our colleagues, in whom I have total trust and confidence to continue to ‘do the right thing’ in delivering services that meet and exceed our clients’ highest expectations. 

“I am incredibly proud of what DSW has achieved; the commercial successes are noteworthy in themselves, but the greatest pride I have is in the way we work, what we stand for and the talented people who have helped build the business into what it is today. 

“This transition provides the right platform for the company to continue to thrive, and I am delighted to remain involved as non-executive chairman to support Dave and the team as they continue to grow and develop the business.”

The transaction was supported by Park Place Corporate Finance, which advised DSW throughout the management buyout process.

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