Shoosmiths advises JS Group on NatWest's strategic investment

Law firm Shoosmiths has advised JS Group on the sale of a strategic minority shareholding to NatWest Group.

Headquartered in Southampton, JS Group is a specialist provider to universities enabling them to efficiently disperse funds such as bursaries, scholarships and other financial support to students. Its technology platform ‘Aspire’ is designed to deliver measurable impact by streamlining the distribution of various types of student financial aid, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their funds promptly and securely while materially reducing the time and administrative costs involved for funders.

Initially, this strategic investment will help JS Group change how financial support is delivered in the higher education sector, driving improved Social Inclusion by removing barriers, so students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds can access and succeed at university. The investment will also accelerate the adoption of Aspire in other sectors including charities, local and central government, where the impactful distribution of financial support is critical to social mobility.

The Shoosmiths team was led by partner and head of the firm’s corporate division Stephen Porter, supported by partner Lisa Sigalet, principal associate Lawrence Renny and associates Kerry Coomer, Jake Bowdler and Cherie Lawson. 

Shoosmiths is recognised as a leading legal provider within the education sector, advising a wide range of schools, universities, colleges, academies, private providers and charities. The firm was named legal advisor of the year deal-making at the 2024 Education Investor Awards. Its corporate team is proud to work with leading organisations such as Dukes Education, Cavendish Education, GEMS Education, and a range of EdTech providers including JS Group, Kortext, IMP Software and Everway (formally Texthelp). 

Peter Gray, chairman and CEO at JS Group commented: “We are thrilled to welcome NatWest as an investor in JS Group to drive our mission of transforming the delivery and impact of financial support. Aspire gives funders greater optionality over the delivery of financial support and gives beneficiaries agency over how they receive funds.

“This investment will enable us to further develop our platform and expand our reach, ensuring that more universities, more sectors and more beneficiaries can take advantage of our efficient and secure payment services. We look forward to working closely with NatWest as we continue innovating. Their expertise will be invaluable as we seek to scale our platform and accelerate our venture into new sectors. 

“I am incredibly grateful of the support I have received in the process from the Shoosmiths team, including Steve Porter, Lisa Sigalet, Lawrence Renny, Kerry Coomer, Jake Bowdler and Cherie Lawson. Their attention to detail, guidance, support and insightful management of the process has been instrumental in helping me get this process completed in record time. For a complex process, Shoosmiths were able to help me navigate the intricacies in a way that made complete sense to me and my team. Thank you Steve and all at Shoosmiths.” 

Stephen Porter, partner and head of Shoosmiths’ corporate division, added: “We are delighted to have supported JS Group on this important transaction and to play a part in the continued growth and innovation of JS Group within the education sector. The partnership with NatWest marks a significant milestone and will help further their mission to transform the delivery of financial support to students and universities.

“At Shoosmiths, we are proud to be recognised as a leading legal advisor to the education sector, working alongside universities, schools, colleges, and EdTech providers to deliver solutions that drive positive change. Our team’s experience spans complex investments, M&A, and strategic partnerships, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve their ambitions in this dynamic and vital industry.”