The acquisition of Atlantic Link supports Kaplan IT Learning’s strategy of providing a variety of quality training products, services and solutions, which include the authoring tool STT Trainer, STT InfoShare and PerformIT, across a global market.

President of Kaplan IT Learning, Brian Sholly, said: “We are very excited to join forces with Atlantic Link. This rare opportunity will allow Kaplan to expand our market presence and offer a much larger selection of products globally.”

Atlantic Link, based at Nottingham Business Park, was established by a group of entrepreneurs seven years ago and is now the world’s leading provider of collaborative rapid e-learning authoring software. This enables users to design and deliver professional on-line training to thousands of employees. The company’s UK clients include BT, Waitrose, Daimler Chrysler as well as financial institutions HSBC, Santander and Barclays.

Mike Alcock, Managing Director of Atlantic Link said “We are delighted to become part of Kaplan IT Learning. With Kaplan’s financial strength and credibility in the training and academic world, our customers and prospects will gain access to a broader range of current and future products and services. Our complementary product suites will offer our customers a complete solution for all of their e-learning needs, with the strength and reassurance of the Kaplan brand behind them.”

Nottingham based law firm Geldards advised the shareholders of Atlantic Link on the deal. Geldards' Partner Hugh Strickland said: " We've acted for the company since it was set up in 2002 and it's great to see the team harvesting the fruits of their labour in this dynamic and forward thinking company, a real Nottingham success story.”

Jonathan Earl, Investment Director at Midlands based venture capital firm Catapult Venture Managers said: "Catapult invested in Atlantic Link in 2008 as it was a business which we recognised had not only the ideas but the passion to deliver revolutionary products into a market used to seeing innovation, and we are delighted to see this realised through this successful sale.”

Cooper Parry Corporate Finance acted as lead advisers to the Shareholders of Atlantic Link. David Browne of Cooper Parry said: "At a time when the need to work smarter has never been more important, the need for the best trained staff is paramount. Together these two companies have what it takes to deliver this to a global audience” He added “It is fantastic to see a local business become recognized as a World leader in its field and we are delighted to have contributed to its success and ultimate sale”

Picture: From left, Dr Richard Hyde of Atlantic Link; David Smith, of Cooper Parry; Sam Morgan, of Atlantic Link; Jonathan Earl, of Catapult; Mike Alcock, of Atlantic Link; Hugh Strickland, of Geldards; Brian Sholly, of Kaplan IT; David Browne, of Cooper Parry; Tony Reddington, of Atlantic Link; and Rhian Owen, of Geldards.