Harvest Partners Acquires Majority Stake in The Learning Experience

Deal News | Jul 01, 2025 | Golden Gate Capital Partners

Harvest Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, has acquired a majority stake in The Learning Experience (TLE) from Golden Gate Capital. TLE, headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, provides early childhood education and operates more than 430 schools in the U.S. and the U.K. The company will continue to be led by its current management team, including Co-Founder and CEO Richard Weissman, who will maintain significant ownership. Golden Gate Capital will retain a minority share of TLE. The acquisition aligns with Harvest’s focus on the early childhood education sector, facilitating expansion of TLE’s unique brand and curriculum. TLE’s innovative approach includes its Bubbles and Friends edutainment platform, extending learning beyond classrooms. The transaction terms were not disclosed, but the collaboration aims to leverage financial and strategic resources to support TLE’s growth. Financial advisors and legal teams involved in the deal included Harris Williams & Co., Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP for Golden Gate and TLE, and Ropes & Gray LLP alongside Kirkland & Ellis LLP for Harvest. Founded in 2001, TLE is recognized for its excellence in early childhood education and franchise success.

Sectors

  • Private Equity
  • Education

Geography

  • United States – The Learning Experience is headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and operates a significant number of schools across the U.S.
  • United Kingdom – TLE's operations also include schools in the U.K., contributing to its international reach.

Industry

  • Private Equity – The article discusses a private equity transaction, focusing on Harvest Partners acquiring a majority stake in The Learning Experience.
  • Education – The Learning Experience operates in the education sector, providing early childhood education services through a network of schools.

Financials

  • Not disclosed – The financial terms of the transaction between Harvest Partners and Golden Gate Capital for the acquisition of The Learning Experience were not disclosed.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Harvest PartnersBidding Company/BuyerCompanyHarvest Partners is a New York-based private equity firm with over 40 years of experience in investing in middle-market companies.
Golden Gate CapitalSelling Company/VendorCompanyGolden Gate Capital is a San Francisco-based private equity firm focusing on creating exceptional companies in various sectors.
The Learning ExperienceTarget CompanyCompanyA leading provider of early childhood education with over 430 schools in the U.S. and U.K., offering a proprietary curriculum.
Richard WeissmanCEO and Co-Founder of The Learning ExperiencePersonRichard Weissman is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Learning Experience, continuing to lead the company post-transaction.
Nicholas RomanoPartner at Harvest PartnersPersonPartner at Harvest Partners, actively involved in the acquisition of The Learning Experience.
Michael DeFlorioCEO and Partner at Harvest PartnersPersonCEO and Partner at Harvest Partners, overseeing the acquisition and partnership with The Learning Experience.
Mike MontgomeryManaging Director at Golden Gate CapitalPersonManaging Director at Golden Gate Capital, involved in the sale of The Learning Experience.
Harris Williams & Co.Financial AdvisorCompanyProvided financial advisory services to Golden Gate Capital and The Learning Experience.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyProvided legal advisory services to Golden Gate Capital and The Learning Experience.
Ropes & Gray LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyProvided legal advisory services to Harvest Partners.
Kirkland & Ellis LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyProvided legal advisory services to Harvest Partners.