Wolters Kluwer Education, a division of Wolters Kluwer nv, today announced that it has acquired BEAM Education, one of the UK’s leading mathematical resource publishers and training providers.

Nelson Thornes’ acquisition of BEAM forms part of its long-term strategic plan to enhance its reputation as an innovative and creative solutions provider across all areas of learning, and including continued professional development. BEAM’s product portfolio is also part of Nelson Thornes’ strategy to offer more e-learning solutions to the Education sector.

London-based BEAM Education is a specialist mathematics education publisher of materials covering teaching and learning needs from the age of 3 to 14. They include more than 80 publications, as well as a comprehensive range of games and equipment. BEAMs services include consultancy, courses and in-service training. BEAM is an acknowledged expert in the field of mathematics education. BEAM have been actively involved in mathematics education since 1987 and now supply resources, training and consultancy both in the UK and internationally. They have a well-earned reputation for publishing reliable and authoritative resources, and work closely with schools, LEAs, universities, and other experts in the field to accomplish their mission of making the teaching and learning of mathematics interesting, challenging and enjoyable. BEAM will form part of Wolters Kluwer Education’s subsidiary, Nelson Thornes Ltd., based in Cheltenham, England. Fred Grainger, Managing Director of Nelson Thornes said: "I’m delighted that, with the addition of BEAM to our growing portfolio, we will continue to strengthen our position in primary school mathematics publishing. This builds on our established base as market leader in secondary education. This acquisition also forms part of our wider strategy to transform education by providing teachers with a total blended learning solution. We will continue to publish traditional resources of the highest quality in our core areas, but in addition, we will offer teachers support in all areas of teaching and learning including training and continued professional development. We will achieve this via an ongoing program of both internal organic growth and a series of partnerships and acquisitions."

Commenting on the acquisition, Sheila Ebbutt, Managing Director of BEAM said:

"Over the years we have established an enviable team of authors, trainers and consultants, all experts in the field of mathematics education. With this team – and with the resources and expertise of Nelson Thornes behind us – we can continue to offer the best possible mathematics education services to primary teachers and Foundation Stage practitioners across the country. Building on our strong and popular backlist, we have many highly innovative and creative products to publish over the coming years."