UK education recruitment specialist Operam Education Group has completed the acquisition of Choice Teachers and its brand Bespoke Education, marking its ninth acquisition and largest deal to date as it advances a ten-year buy-and-build growth strategy, as reported by Business Sale Report.

The Greater Manchester and Hitchin-based firm specialises in the recruitment of long-term and daily supply teachers and support staff across nursery, primary, secondary and further education settings, as well as special educational and additional learning needs institutions, with offices in Leigh, Hitchin and Liverpool.

The deal was funded by Three Hills Impact, BGF, Operam management and banking partner HSBC, taking the group's total revenues beyond £50m.

Operam Chief Executive Eddie Austin said the acquisition deepens the group's presence in a core region. "The acquisition of Choice Teachers will help to deepen our existing roots in the North West, while materially growing our footprint in the south of England, where we've been growing following our first London acquisition in 2024," he said.

Three Hills partner Pablo Velez said the deal strengthens Operam's market position considerably. "With Choice joining Operam, the group materially increases the scale of the business, taking it to more than £50m of revenues, while further strengthening Operam's position as a leader in education recruitment," he said. "By expanding the company's capabilities and reach, the acquisition enhances Operam's ability to support schools and improve student outcomes."

Choice Teachers' directors will remain with the business alongside its 50-strong team following completion of the deal.

Rob Johnson, investor at BGF, described the acquisition as a significant milestone. "Operam has built an excellent reputation in the market through strong organic growth and a well-executed buy and build strategy," he said.

Get the full details of the Operam and Choice Teachers deal in the full story.