Studiekring

Who owns Studiekring?

Studiekring was owned by Gimv, exited via Trade Sale.

Buyer identity available on Pro.

Hand-verified · updated 2026-04-21

About Studiekring

Studiekring is a Utrecht-based education company and one of the largest independent providers of tutoring, homework supervision, student coaching and examination training in the Netherlands, serving primary and secondary school pupils. Its model combines individual intake interviews with structured after-school support, aiming both to raise grades and to build independent study habits, and it positions itself on high-quality service at a competitive price. The network operates a dense footprint of branches across Dutch towns, including locations sited inside partner schools. By the time of its later ownership change the business ran more than 70 branches and employed close to 600 people.

Ownership journey

Studiekring was founded in the Netherlands in 2000 by brothers Reinier and Ivo Richaers, who built it into the domestic market leader in tutoring and student coaching. In August 2011 Gimv acquired a majority interest in the company and provided fresh growth capital, with the founders retaining the remaining shares and continuing to lead the business. Gimv backed an explicit expansion agenda, stating the goal of roughly doubling the company in terms of branches, turnover and cash flow. Gimv exited in 2019 via a trade sale, ending an ownership period of about eight years.

Under PE ownership

Under Gimv's ownership Studiekring pursued the branch-led growth thesis set out at entry, expanding its physical network from more than 50 locations toward over 70 across the Netherlands. Headcount reached close to 600 employees as the company scaled its tutoring, homework supervision and examination-training services. It also deepened its distribution by operating branches inside partner schools, extending reach beyond standalone sites. By the 2019 exit Studiekring had consolidated its standing as the country's leading independent tutoring and student-coaching network.