Relias Learning Makes First European Acquisition with Germany-Based spm

Deal accelerates global expansion and overall growth strategy

CARY, NC, March 2, 2017 – Relias Learning, the leader in online training solutions for the healthcare market, announced today the acquisition of spm GmbH. This is the first European-based acquisition for Relias.

Founded in 2005 and based in Schwerin, Germany, spm offers more than 300 courses for the acute and post-acute care industries. spm has worked directly with their customers – which include hospitals in two of the top three hospital networks in Germany — to develop the most complete, highest quality library of healthcare training courses in Germany. The company’s staff will remain in their Schwerin office.  Relias will continue to maintain an office in Berlin as well.

In 2016 Relias opened operations in Germany, as well as the UK and China, as part of an overall growth strategy that also included expansion into the acute care industry. The acquisition of spm aligns with both growth initiatives.

“The acquisition of spm is a key development in our international expansion, and an important element of our overall growth strategy,” said Jim Triandiflou, CEO of Relias Learning. “spm expands our market presence and product library in the German market with their wide range of courses and devoted customer base. We were very selective in our decision to expand in Germany, and in spm we have found a perfect partner.”

“The most important thing for me was that our new partner has the same values and goals as we do, excellent customer care, strong growth and a focus on improving care and health,” explained Maik Wanserski, spm’s founder. “Furthermore, it was important for me to maintain our office in Schwerin. Schwerin has a pool of very well trained specialists and it is our aim to continue to grow in the area.”

About spm

spm GmbH offers a Learning Management System that is developed in conjunction with municipal hospitals, religious care organizations and various hospital groups to meet their specific training needs. Courses focus on compliance training, such as fire safety, data protection, labor protection and occupational safety within the acute and post-acute markets. Course participants receive certification upon successful completion of coursework.