BPP Education Group announces the acquisition of Digital Marketing Institute

BPP Education Group, the global leader in professional and vocational education, is delighted to announce its acquisition of Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), a leading provider of digital marketing training and certifications.

DMI was founded in 2009 in Dublin and has become a leading global standard in Digital Marketing training and certification. It has certified over 55,000 individuals globally with their digital marketing training portfolio, from short courses through to Masters-level programmes. DMI’s high-quality certifications are internationally recognised and are partnered with global marketing professional bodies, including the American Marketing Association and the Australian Marketing Institute. DMI also works in collaboration with Neil Patel Digital, a global leader in search and performance marketing.

BPP believes that this partnership will provide valuable growth opportunities for both entities and will create revenue synergies to support the delivery of each entity’s growth strategy.

BPP’s support and commitment will allow DMI to fast-track their growth trajectory, while further investing in quality, customer experience, and expanding its offering to serve the growing demands of customers for specialist training in digital marketing.

Following this transaction, DMI will continue to run as an independent business under the leadership and management of its existing teams and remain headquartered in Ireland. BPP will work with DMI to share best practices and extend the opportunities available to them as a member of the BPP Education Group.

Following BPP’s acquisition of Estio Training and Firebrand Training, the acquisition of DMI will help to facilitate BPP’s focus on delivering a broader portfolio of programmes to provide more learners and clients with access to a leading portfolio of professional courses and apprenticeships. This links to BPP’s future growth strategy which, with backing from their sponsor TDR Capital, looks to expand its portfolio and geographical reach with the strategic acquisition of relevant education businesses.

Graham Gaddes, BPP CEO, commented, “The acquisition of Digital Marketing Institute introduces a new vertical of programmes into the BPP portfolio. We are seeing an ever-increasing demand from our clients and customers that want to expand their skills in digital marketing. The acquisition of DMI will allow our customers to access market leading certified programmes, whilst allowing the BPP Education Group to expand into new geographies and markets. The highly experienced team at DMI are a great cultural fit for BPP, and we look forward to welcoming them into the BPP Education Group.”

Ken Fitzpatrick, CEO of Digital Marketing Institute, commented - "We are delighted to be part of the BPP Education Group, as DMI embarks on the next chapter of growth and success. BPP is an industry leader in education, and we are looking forward to sharing our passion for learning and delivering the highest quality learning experience for our students to drive capability and equip the workforce of the future."

Spectrum Equity, a leading growth equity firm, were previous investors in Digital Marketing Institute. Houlihan Lokey were advisors on the transaction on behalf of BPP/TDR Capital, Raymond James were advisors for Digital Marketing Institute.

About BPP

BPP Education Group provides education and training in law, business, finance, accountancy, banking, technology, psychology, and nursing both through relationships with corporates and directly to consumers across test preparation, university, apprenticeship, and professional development. Established for over 45 years, its education is delivered to be as real-world, relevant and innovative as possible.

About Digital Marketing Institute

As the global standard in digital marketing certification, DMI develops digital marketing capability for individuals and teams globally.

Founded in Ireland, DMI has, over 230,000 members, and partners with universities and training providers in more than 100 countries to provide marketing professionals with the skills, confidence and industry know-how to stay relevant — and to make an impact — in an always evolving digital world.