News

Commercial Services Group (CSG) strengthens its commitment to education with acquisition of leading brands

Commercial Services Group (CSG) today announced the acquisition of the WF Education Group and its subsidiary brands, a UK and France-based organisation that has been serving the education and library sectors for over 80 years.

This strategic acquisition further broadens CSG’s extensive range of education products and services, enhancing its ability to support educators at every stage of learning, from early years through to post-16 education and beyond.

The newly acquired brands—Maudesport, Timstar, Technology Supplies (TSL), and Gresswell—will be integrated into CSG’s expansive portfolio, adding an additional 3,000 customers and 10,000 products to the existing 30,000 already offered through KCS, a well-established division of CSG.

Furthermore, CES, another CSG brand, provides a diverse range of educational resources to schools worldwide, while Landscapes for Learning remains a leader in delivering outdoor learning equipment for primary schools, nurseries, and daycare centres.

The acquisition of the WF Education Group brands enhances CSG’s position by expanding its portfolio with services that create dynamic library and learning spaces, alongside subject-specific, curriculum-focused products and resources in areas such as sport, science, libraries, and design and technology.

This will significantly increase CSG’s ability to meet the evolving needs of schools, as well as public and university libraries, both in the UK and internationally.

Matt Johnson, CEO of Commercial Services Group, said:

“We are delighted with this acquisition and excited about the opportunity to build on the remarkable legacy the WF Education Group has established with these trusted and highly regarded brands. They are in safe hands, and we are thrilled that the WF Education Group has chosen us not only to preserve these brands but also to drive their future growth.”

“This acquisition marks a significant step in our journey towards becoming the leading provider of education products and services to schools. We are committed to shaping the future of education by offering the highest-quality products to foster exceptional learning environments. In addition, we continue to support educators in delivering outstanding curricula, assist school leaders in making lasting improvements, and help educators build a skilled and diverse workforce. From HR and IT solutions to legal, payroll, and staff care, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive services that enable both children and educators to thrive.

“We are excited to welcome and collaborate with our talented new colleagues who will now be part of the Commercial Services Group team.”

Bill Hess, CEO of Wall Family Enterprise, said: 

“After a deliberate and thoughtful process, we have aligned with a partner in Commercial Service Group that shares our focus on innovative products, as well as outstanding customer service and satisfaction, which has the size and scale to bring our brands and solutions to even more of the learning and library markets.
“I am confident that bringing WF Education into CSG will benefit our customers and WF Education team members, and provide a significant opportunity to grow and thrive. I am deeply grateful to our talented team and loyal customers who have been instrumental in our success.”

The four brands acquired by CSG from the WF Education Group:

  1. Maudesport: A leading supplier of sports equipment and resources, specialising in physical education and outdoor playground products designed to engage children and promote their physical well-being.
  2. Timstar: A provider of high-quality educational equipment for science subjects, offering schools and colleges top-tier resources for biology, chemistry, and physics education.
  3. TSL: A recognised supplier of machinery and equipment for design and technology programmes in schools and colleges, supporting hands-on learning and innovation.
  4. Gresswell: A provider of a wide range of products and equipment for public libraries, school libraries, and learning resource centres, helping create engaging, resource-rich learning environments.