Quality Maritime Training Expands Under The Kimberton Group's Leadership

Quality Maritime Training Expands Under The Kimberton Group

In a significant development for maritime education, Quality Maritime Training (QMT) has recently been acquired by The Kimberton Group, marking a strategic expansion of both entities. Mason Christensen and Duncan Hamilton, the founders of The Kimberton Group, have embarked on a mission to broaden the landscape of maritime training, bringing QMT's credentials with them in this new endeavor.

Founded in 2005, Quality Maritime Training has built a commendable reputation as a USCG-approved provider of advanced maritime certifications. Known for its commitment to excellence, QMT has effectively equipped countless seafarers with the skills and knowledge required in the demanding maritime industry.

Previously owned by Nick and Carson Andrew since 2012, the training school became synonymous with high-quality instructional methods and well-crafted course material. Nick Andrew expressed confidence in the new leadership, stating, "Mason and Duncan are the right fit for this next chapter. We're proud of what we built and excited to see it grow. The team at Viking Mergers made this transition seamless through their professionalism and responsiveness."

The acquisition, facilitated by Andrew Hakkarainen and Max Roix from Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, aims to enhance The Kimberton Group's maritime training portfolio. This deal follows their previous acquisition of Sea School, showcasing a robust strategy to increase their footprint in the maritime education sector. With QMT added to their offerings, The Kimberton Group will provide advanced certification courses such as Advanced Ship Handling and Designated Duty Engineer training. These programs cater to larger vessels and are essential for maritime professionals seeking to advance their careers.

One of the notable developments post-acquisition will be the expansion of training locations across multiple states. The Kimberton Group is targeting the greater Jacksonville area to become a pivotal maritime training hub in the Southeastern United States, reflecting their commitment to meeting the increasing demand for skilled maritime professionals.

Viking Mergers & Acquisitions congratulates all parties on the successful transition and anticipates continued growth and prosperity for Quality Maritime Training. The firm, established in 1996, has become one of the leading business brokerage firms in the Southeastern U.S., specializing in middle-market transactions with a commendable success rate. Their expertise has played a crucial role in facilitating this acquisition, guiding both sellers and buyers toward a successful partnership.

The Kimberton Group, founded just last year in 2023, is dedicated to investing in lower middle-market businesses and, with this acquisition, solidifies its footprint in the maritime training sector. With a focus on quality education and training, the group is poised to make a significant impact on the industry.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Quality Maritime Training by The Kimberton Group is a promising development for maritime education. With a strong leadership team in place and a commitment to excellence, the future looks bright for QMT and the mariners who will benefit from its advanced training programs.