Istruzione e Formazione
EQT to acquire a majority position in Universidad Europea, a leading private higher education platform in Spain and Portugal
Today, Universidad Europea has 3,400 employees and comprises a network of 54,000 students and 130,000 alumni across 12 campuses, offering more than 500 degrees and 110 new official value-add programs. It offers a premium academic model focused on experiential learning, complemented with high-quality faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, delivering superior student outcomes.
The tightly regulated and resilient Spanish and Portuguese private higher education markets are expected to grow over coming years, driven by demographic trends as well as demand from international students in Europe and Latin America who view Spain as an attractive destination to pursue higher education.
EQT will support Universidad Europea by investing in its existing campuses and applying its in-house digital team to enhance the Company's online proposition for students seeking access to hybrid and remote learning models. EQT will draw upon its local presence and international expertise to support the Company in establishing campuses in new regions.
Anna Sundell , Partner within the EQT Value-Add Infrastructure Advisory team, said: "Partnering with Universidad Europa is an opportunity to invest in one of the leading higher education institutions in Europe . We have followed the Company for a long time and are deeply impressed by the high quality academic model, innovative approach and establishment of new state-of-the art campuses in both Spain and Portugal . This investment is aligned with EQT's approach as long term active owners of companies that provide essential services to society. We look forward to working together with the management team and Permira in this exciting next phase for the Company."
Asís Echániz, Partner within the EQT Value-Add Infrastructure Advisory Team, and Head of Spain , added: "Universidad Europea is a leading higher education platform with a differentiated brand, a strong network of partnerships and students and an excellent track record of growth. We are excited to start working with the Company's management team, contributing our expertise owning essential infrastructure assets, our responsible ownership principles and our local knowledge to help deliver a strong academic proposition for students seeking access to high quality education services."
Otilia de la Fuente , CEO of Universidad Europea, commented: "With Permira as our trusted partner, we´ve achieved remarkable success over the past four years. Together, we have strengthened the quality of our academic model for our students and embarked on ambitious expansion initiatives, including the establishment of new campuses and infrastructures. None of these milestones would have been possible without the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of our teams. As we enter this new chapter, we extend a warm welcome to EQT and we are excited to explore the boundless opportunities that lie ahead in this extraordinary venture. Joining forces with EQT, alongside Permira, allows us to continue our journey of innovation and growth, furthering our mission of changing lives through higher education."
The transaction is subject to customary conditions and approvals. It is expected to close in Q3-Q4 2024.
EQT was advised by Deutsche Bank (financial), Allen & Overy (legal).
With this transaction, EQT Infrastructure VI is expected to be 30-35% percent invested (including closed and/or signed investments, announced public offers, if applicable, and less any expected syndication) based on target fund size.
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com
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