Hybrid has tripled its headcount to almost 200 staff in six countries during the four-year partnership
UK private equity investor LDC has exited its investment in Bristol marketing business Hybrid to US-based education company EAB.
The transaction follows a four-year partnership that has delivered significant growth and international expansion, with Hybrid having more than quadrupled revenue and tripled headcount from 63 to almost 200 employees across six countries.
The Bristol-headquartered education marketing firm operates across the UK, APAC and the US. Its services help to drive student enrolment for higher education institutions around the world including the University of Bristol, the University of Glasgow and Adelaide University.
Since LDC’s investment in June 2021, Hybrid has pursued an ambitious domestic and international expansion strategy. The business opened its first US office in Philadelphia in 2022 and has established a presence in Sydney, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur.
It has also completed two strategic acquisitions – Prompt Marketing in 2023 and Crisp Digital in 2024 – which added a presence in Kathmandu.
The exit was led by Dewi Hughes, partner and head of South West and Wales, and Oliver Schofield, investment director.
Mr Hughes said: “The business has delivered exceptional organic growth, evolved strategically through acquisitions and technology, and achieved huge success through its expansion into the US and APAC markets.
“Hybrid’s success demonstrates the strength of its market-leading proposition and the quality of its management team. We have thoroughly enjoyed our journey with Hybrid and we are confident that the partnership with EAB will provide an excellent platform for the business’s next phase of growth.”
Chris Cammann, chief executive of Hybrid, added: “LDC has been an outstanding partner, providing not just capital but strategic support and expertise that has been instrumental in our growth journey.
“Together, we’ve expanded our geographical footprint, enhanced our service offering through two strategic acquisitions, and invested significantly in our technology and people.”
LDC and Hybrid were advised by JEGI CLARITY (lead advisor), Womble Bond Dickinson (shareholder legals), OC&C (commercial due diligence), BDO (financial due diligence) and Hazlewoods (vendor assist).
Management was advised by Momentum Corporate Finance (advisory) and Osborne Clarke (legals).
