EQT is pleased to announce that the EQT Infrastructure VI fund (“EQT”) has agreed to acquire a majority position in Universidad Europea (the “Company”) from Permira, who will retain a significant minority stake in the Company.
Established in 1996, Universidad Europea is one of the largest and fastest-growing private university networks in Europe, offering high-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as advanced career programs tailored to today’s job market. It offers in-person and online modalities in a wide range of fields, including in Sports, Social Sciences and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) subjects and a strong focus on its Health Studies offering which is a particularly high-demand segment.
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.
About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 232 billion in total assets under management (EUR 130 billion in fee-generating assets under management), within two business segments – Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence and market leadership.
More info: www.eqtgroup.com
About Universidad Europea
Universidad Europea is a dynamic institution, focused on bringing value to society and actively contributing to its progress. True to its innovative vocation, it promotes applied research and sustains its activities by empowering individuals through an international educational model connected with the professional world and of high academic quality. This philosophy has made it a leading private university in Spain and Portugal.
Currently, there are more than 54,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students who each year receive face-to-face or hybrid education at one of its campuses or online. In Spain: Universidad Europea de Madrid, which comprises Universidad Europea School, Universidad Europea de Valencia, and Universidad Europea de Canarias. Real Madrid – Universidad Europea School, and Centro de Estudios Garrigues. In Portugal: Universidade Europeia, with IADE as one of its faculties, and IPAM.
More info:www.universidadeuropea.com
cloud technology axon
Wellk es una startup guipuzcoana que nació hace tres años, que cuent...
