LAVA Advisory Partners is delighted to announce the successful sale of Kura, a pioneer in safer, greener, smarter travel solutions for schools and businesses, on behalf of investors including Souter Investments in Edinburgh. Kura was acquired by Zeelo, the leading global transit-tech company marking a significant consolidation in the technology enabled mobility sector.
Kura has revolutionised the UK’s approach to Home to School transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide a high-quality, fully managed transport solution. Kura is one of the largest providers of school transport in the UK, serving over 15,000 students daily with award winning innovative tech providing free transport safeguarding software.
LAVA acted as the exclusive financial adviser to the shareholders of Kura to find the best financial and strategic fit that aligned closely with Kura’s ambitious growth plans and strong ESG principles.
This approach culminated in the perfect partnership with Zeelo, an eco-friendly commuting platform with operations spanning the UK and the US. Closely sharing Kura’s vision of a safer, cleaner transport sector, Zeelo’s strategic acquisition will accelerate the combined businesses growth ambitions through its global network and is set to reinforce their joint mission of improving transportation for schools and businesses around the world with innovative technology and environmental practices
We could not be happier with the outcome of our deal with Zeelo. It is an excellent strategic fit, and LAVA’s dedication and hard work were essential in ensuring we got the transaction over the line. This marks an incredibly exciting new chapter for Kura, and we look forward to continuing to transform the Home to School transport market with safer, sustainable transport solutions and technology.
Godfrey Ryan CEO, Kura
LAVA worked closely with the shareholders and management team, providing comprehensive market, buyer insight with hands-on preparation and execution support throughout.
Maurice Shamash Souter Investments
The Kura transaction not only showcases our team’s high-performance services but also our adaptability in working across a growing list of industries. Alongside expanding our established portfolio in the education sector, we are particularly proud to be making an impact in the ESG market, reflecting our commitment to using business as a force for good and our commitment to our B Corp certification.
Simon Woodcock Partner, LAVA Advisory Partners
The Kura-Zeelo deal is LAVA’s latest achievement in a series of successful transactions within the ESG space and education sector. LAVA celebrated its first major ESG deal with the 2022 merger of Cura Terrae, a purpose-driven business focused on land, air, and water services. Showcasing the team’s expertise in the education sector, LAVA’s credentials have been bolstered by recent deals including the July 2022 acquisition of Boundary Oak School by Globeducate and the 2021 sale of Eaton House Schools to Dukes Education.
To explore how LAVA Advisory Partners can deliver the best M&A outcomes for your business through its bespoke, client-centric strategies, get in touch with the team today.
