Learning Matters sold to SAGE Publications

Founded by Jonathan Harris in 1999, Learning Matters is a leading publisher of market focused books and ebooks for professional and vocational courses in education, social work, nursing and health. The sale to SAGE Publications, a leading academic and professional publisher, completed on 22 July 2011. Bertoli Mitchell acted as exclusive strategic financial advisor to Learning Matters' shareholders, and managed the process from end to end.

Ziyad Marar, global publishing director, SAGE said: "We've long admired Learning Matters' disciplined and creative publishing philosophy, and know that their books are much loved by students up and down the country. We couldn't be more delighted to be welcoming them to SAGE. Our complementary publishing programmes make Learning Matters an ideal fit for us as we grow our already substantial textbook programme in these areas. We are also thrilled that Jonathan will remain involved with the ongoing development of the Learning Matters programme at SAGE."

"SAGE is an excellent home for the next stage of Learning Matters' development," said Jonathan Harris. "We're looking forward to building the Learning Matters imprint with the significant strength that SAGE offers."

He added: "Bertoli Mitchell provided us with strategic, commercial and practical advice throughout the entire process. It's inconceivable that the transaction could have progressed as smoothly or as quickly without their constant support; their wealth of experience of the process provided reassurance at difficult times, and the knowledge that negotiations were concluded as favourably as possible."

Learning Matters will continue to develop as a separate imprint within SAGE and the company and its employees remain in Exeter until at least the end of 2011.