Learning Services Provider Pearson Aims to Capture US Federal Clients Through PDRI Acquisition

London-based education publishing and assessment services company Pearson has agreed to acquire Personnel Decisions Research Institutes from SHL Group for approximately $190 million in a strategy to pursue business opportunities in the U.S. federal talent management segment.

Pearson said Monday it expects the transaction to close in the first half of 2023, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and will integrate PDRI with its assessment and qualifications division upon the deal’s completion.

Established in 1975, PDRI has over 4 million employees and provides workforce assessment services and talent management platforms to federal government clients. The company teamed up with the Office of Personnel Management to develop USA Hire, an online platform used by more than 40 agencies and is used to evaluate over 500,000 applicants per year.

PDRI – which posted $33 million in 2021 revenue – holds a prime position on the General Services Administration’s Human Capital and Training Solutions contract and IT Schedule.

Pearson intends to use its existing cash and available liquidity to fund the acquisition.

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