Global Knowledge, the Cary-based provider of information technology training, is expanding its footprint with the acquisition of a Canadian firm.

Becoming part of Global Knowledge is ctc TrainCanada. The acquisition means the firm will operate in 10 additional cities and broadens its more than 2,500 course offerings to include desktop applications training.

Global Knowledge has some 1,400 employees worldwide with 435 of those based in Cary.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.  

A Global Knowledge executive talked with WRAL TechWire about why the deal was made and what it means for the company.

  • What are the key reasons for making the deal?

The key reason for the deal was to solidify our number one market share position for corporate training in Canada and worldwide. In addition, as the worldwide leader in IT training and learning services, we hear from senior IT executives and HR professionals about skills gaps, growing training challenges and rapidly changing technology, which result in a shortage of qualified talent.

This is happening worldwide. Because organizations can’t hire their ways out of the talent shortage, they must drive “skills transformation” within their organizations, and our acquisition – resulting in an expanded portfolio and presence across Canada – positions us to better meet this growing demand for skills transformation.

[“This acquisition positions Global Knowledge to better meet the growing demand for companies and individuals looking to embrace skills transformation to meet the new market demands,” said Global Knowledge president and CEO Sean Dolan in a statement.

[“Our Canadian customers now have access to the most comprehensive schedule and portfolio of courses and certifications, ranging from IT to business to leadership skills. We also have the capability to offer training based on our customers’ needs, from digital learning to virtual classrooms and traditional classroom instruction.”]

  • Does the Canadian firm’s CEO join Global Knowledge? How many employees does it add with this deal? Will there be any job cuts?

ctc TrainCanada’s CEO has retired and will not be joining GK

We are currently working on an integration plan; our goal is to create the strongest possible organization and that starts with the right structure and talent. We will be determining the best structure to support our growth objective, and identify the talent to help us do that. This will be done over time as we look at combining our schedules, product offerings, and facilities.

  • How does this deal make Global Knowledge a better company?

The acquisition strengthens Global Knowledge’s position as the leading provider of IT training in Canada and around the world. In short, we will have more locations in Canada and offer a broader portfolio of courses via multiple modalities (digital, self-paced, virtual and instructor-led), making it easier and more convenient for our customers to get the IT and business skills training they need, when they need it and in the format that suits them best.  

Specifically:

  • Through the ctc TrainCanada acquisition, Global Knowledge grows to 10 locations in Canada, in cities from coast to coast, and offers a more robust local and national schedule.
  • Global Knowledge customers have access to a wider range of IT technical and applications courses, IT business practices, and leadership skills.
  • Because ctcTrainCanada is currently a Microsoft Certified Gold Learning Partner, this acquisition enhances and strengthens our Microsoft portfolio and go-to-market strategies.
  • The acquisition increases the overall course offerings to Global Knowledge customers, particularly in end-user and Microsoft Application training.

Customers of ctc TrainCanada now have access to over 2,500 courses in technology, business best practices and leadership that are offered via multiple modalities: digital, self-paced, virtual and instructor-led.

  • Can you talk about GK revenues?

As a privately held company we do not reveal financial information.  Concerning growth, the acquisition is part of a growth strategy that also includes investment in digital offerings and global infrastructure.

The Global Knowledge footprint:

Global Knowledge’s Canadian headquarters is based in Toronto. Its EMEA headquarters are in Wokingham, UK.

U.S. training center locations: California, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

International locations: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and, via partnership, Austria, Colombia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico and Singapore.