XVR, a specialist in e-learning and virtual reality training for emergency services, has brought in British investor Apiary Capital to carry out a buyout of shareholders and launch a buy-and-build strategy. Hogenhouck M&A advised XVR on this transaction.
Market leader in learning environments for emergency services
XVR is the market leader in virtual reality e-learning for emergency services, such as fire departments, police, and healthcare. XVR was founded in 2001 and now counts more than 450 emergency services in 50 countries among its clients. Approximately 300,000 first responders are trained using the comprehensive platform, which features crisis scenario simulations, e-learning content, a learning management system, and a competency management system.
Fast-growing market for simulations and e-learning
The market for e-learning and simulation solutions is growing rapidly but is highly fragmented. With an ambitious “buy-and-build” strategy, XVR aims to further expand its market position with software for compliance, competency management, and e-learning solutions for critical sectors. In conjunction with the investment by Apiary Capital, the British company learnPro eFireservice is being added to the organization, bringing with it software for e-learning and competency management for fire departments, emergency services, and the British National Health Service (NHS).
Well-positioned for further expansion
The company’s leadership team consists of Joost Beerthuis (CEO), Espe du Plessis (CFO), and Stuart Layzell (Chairman). CEO Joost Beerthuis: “We are delighted to have Apiary Capital as an investor, which will enable us to further expand our position as the market leader in virtual reality e-learning for emergency services. For example, in conjunction with this investment, we were able to add learnPro eFireservice to our organization. This allows us to combine our expertise in training both frontline personnel and incident response managers. This is a great first step toward further expansion.”
Complementary Solutions
XVR is the eighth investment in Apiary’s first £200m investment fund. Investor Jeniv Shah, a partner at Aviary Capital, adds: “XVR and learnPro eFireservice are both market leaders in their respective segments. They offer strong, complementary solutions for fire departments, police forces, and healthcare organizations. These sectors place high demands on the ability to learn and develop competencies within their organizations. We are delighted to support Joost and the XVR team as they bring their organizations and services together.”
Hogenhouck coached XVR
Hogenhouck M&A advised XVR on the transaction. Mark van Beusekom, a partner at Hogenhouck, said: “XVR is an innovative company with a unique value proposition and market position. This was also evident from the strong and widespread interest in the company. We are pleased that, through a high-quality, international sale process, we have found a strong buyer and partner for XVR in Apiary.”
