Drama school agrees £6.5m takeover

The founders of a drama school business whose former students include Harry Potter star Emma Watson are in line for a £3 million windfall after agreeing to sell the venture.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts was set up by drama teacher Stephanie Manuel and banker David Sprigg in 1988 from three rented rooms in Surrey but now has some 700 schools across the globe. Other famous students include Tom Fletcher, lead singer in McFly.