Bertoli Mitchell advises the shareholders of Laburnum and MBE in sale to Scholastic

(February 2018)

We are pleased to announce the acquisition by Scholastic UK of MBE Books Ltd and Laburnum House Educational Ltd from owner Jeremy Stallman and his family, in a transaction arranged by Bertoli Mitchell.  We led the negotiations, and managed the transaction process from end to end.

Following Scholastic’s purchase, Jeremy Stallman, Managing Director, and Mark Waudby, General Manager, will continue to run the day-to-day business from the company headquarters in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

Catherine Bell, Co UK-Managing Director of Scholastic UK, stated, “Laburnum House Educational and MBE Books are impressive businesses providing the very best levels of service and expertise to schools. Their aims very much complement Scholastic’s role as a provider of children’s books to support learning to read and reading for pleasure. We are very much looking forward to working with Jeremy and the team to provide many more opportunities to encourage children to develop a love of reading.”

Jeremy Stallman said, “I am incredibly proud of the growth we have delivered over the 27 years since my father created the original business, Laburnum House Educational. All this has been achieved through support from publishers, teachers and the brilliant team in Gainsborough. I am very much looking forward to the future with Scholastic.”  

He added: "I found the guidance and assistance Bertoli Mitchell provided invaluable throughout the sale process. I would not hesitate in recommending Bertoli Mitchell."