The combined businesses now form the largest national private provider of vocational work-based education in Australia, the law firm said. 

Hall & Wilcox partner Bruce McFarlane said the firm's commercial team, which has acted for the client since 2007, assisted Franklyn Scholar when it initially raised debt and private equity capital and then acquired five registered training organisations across Australia over the next three years.

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Franklyn Scholar was founded by 2010 Ernst & Young  Entrepreneur of the Year finalist Ryan Trainor.

“For Franklyn Scholar, this meant we were able to help from initial funding arrangements with banks and private equity investors to every day operational issues such as employment contracts and disputes. Through this we have developed a deep understanding of the business and got to know funders, suppliers and other stakeholders," said McFarlane.

“It is this knowledge and these relationships that we have been able to help Franklyn Scholar realise their objectives and complete a successful sale and a great result for shareholders."

The recent divestment involved a team effort and commitment over the past three months, the firm said. 

Hall & Wilcox partners Deborah Chew and Bruce McFarlane supervised the deal. Senior sssociate Oliver Jankowsky helped coordinate a team of 20 staff, including partners and lawyers, and negotiating with Kaplan advisors based in Sydney, London and Hong Kong.