Pryor Learning Expands Its Horizons with Acquisition of PeopleKeys Inc.

Pryor Learning Acquires PeopleKeys, Inc.

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its training and assessment offerings, Pryor Learning, LLC, based in Dallas, has announced its acquisition of PeopleKeys, Inc. This strategic partnership was made possible with the backing of private equity firm Trive Capital and Epic Partners, further solidifying Pryor's commitment to delivering top-notch educational solutions.

About PeopleKeys

Founded in 2004 by behavioral experts Dr. Sandy Kulkin and Dr. Brad Smith, PeopleKeys specializes in providing behavioral assessments and analytics. Their services focus on hiring processes, skill development, and overall organizational growth. Through their innovative solutions, PeopleKeys has evaluated over one million users, utilizing tools such as DISC assessments and behavioral analytics to enhance soft skills and unlock the potential of the workforce.

Dr. Brad Smith emphasized the importance of this merger, stating, "The combination of PeopleKeys and Pryor allows us to expand our geographic and industry reach, unlocking new cost-effective and value-added learning journeys for our distributors and customers." This collaboration not only broadens the capabilities of both companies but also aims to address the existing skills gap in today’s workforce, strengthening employee retention and development strategies.

Enhanced Offerings

With this acquisition, Pryor Learning significantly enhances its portfolio of training solutions. The incorporation of PeopleKeys' behavioral assessments allows Pryor to offer a comprehensive curriculum that aligns with the evolving needs of organizations. Steve Riehs, Chief Executive Officer of Pryor, expressed excitement about this partnership, noting that it offers "compelling, proprietary analytics and actionable insights for hiring, training, and upskilling."

This collaboration is set to create a best-in-class user experience, combining Pryor’s comprehensive training materials with PeopleKeys’ cutting-edge assessment tools. By integrating robust analytics capabilities, Pryor aims to empower organizations to enhance their employee engagement initiatives and regulatory compliance, ensuring a well-rounded approach to workforce management.

The Strategy Behind the Acquisition

Trive Capital and Epic Partners support Pryor’s ambition of evolving into a premier training and development provider by investing in companies that align with their vision of operational improvement. Pryor Learning has a rich history, having served over 3 million businesses and 13 million learners across the globe for the past 50 years. This legacy positions Pryor as a trusted partner in fostering skill enhancement and employee growth.

The backing from Trive Capital, which manages over $8 billion in regulatory assets, and the expertise of Epic Partners in education-related investments create a solid foundation for this acquisition. Together, these firms can implement transformative strategies that capitalize on the emerging needs of training and education in the contemporary business landscape.

Future Prospects

As Pryor Learning and PeopleKeys integrate their operations and resources, the focus will shift towards defining new paths for learning, assessment, and professional growth. The companies intend to leverage their collective strengths to create value for customers, addressing diverse learning needs and expanding their reach into new markets.

In conclusion, the acquisition of PeopleKeys by Pryor Learning marks a pivotal moment in the educational landscape, promising innovative solutions that will redefine how organizations train and nurture their employees. As the business world adapts to rapid changes in workforce dynamics, this merger is set to provide invaluable support to businesses aiming for success through effective training and development strategies.

About Pryor Learning
Pryor Learning has been a leader in skills-enhancing training solutions for decades, helping countless organizations build compliant and capable workforces. As the company evolves, its mission remains focused on empowering employees through comprehensive and accessible training pathways.

About Trive Capital
Trive Capital, based in Dallas, Texas, is a renowned private equity firm dedicated to investing in middle-market companies with significant upside potential. Their strategic approach emphasizes operational improvements tailored to maximize returns for their partners.

About Epic Partners
Epic Partners is a merchant banking firm based in New York, dedicated exclusively to investing in the education and training sectors, providing essential funding and strategic guidance to help businesses thrive.