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Noordhoff and Codename Future join forces in secondary vocational education

NPM Capital

Noordhoff and Codename Future join forces in secondary vocational education

Noordhoff, part of Infinitas Learning, and Codename Future have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen core skills education in Dutch secondary and vocational education. The partnership marks an important step towards the common goal: to prepare young people optimally for full participation in society and the labour market.

 

Noordhoff is an educational publisher and market leader in language education for secondary vocational students. The organization offers a broad and flexible range of educational resources for developing basic skills, and has played a central role in strengthening the foundation of Dutch education for decades.

 

Codename Future, founded in 1995, is a market leader in citizenship and career education in secondary vocational education. The organization is known for its innovative approach, actively involving young people in the development of teaching materials – including through initiatives such as the youth editorial team “Young Reporters“.

 

The integration of the two parties started at the beginning of this year and is being implemented in phases. Existing programmes and services will remain available, while at the same time work is underway to develop new, motivating and skills-oriented teaching programs. Relevance to and involvement of young people are central to these efforts.

 

Martijn Spekman, managing director of Codename Future, said: “In Noordhoff we have found a partner who understands our mission. Together we can increase our impact and continue to build education that is designed together with young people.” Anneke Blok, managing director of Noordhoff, added: “Codename Future’s vision and expertise fit seamlessly with our ambition. Their youth-oriented approach brings new energy and inspiration. I look forward to the innovations that will come out of this partnership.”

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Didask Secures €10M Investment to Enhance Corporate Online Learning

AVP
  • By placing skill development at the heart of organizational strategy, Didask transforms every training course into a true lever for sustainable, accessible, and personalized growth and performance.
  • Its eLearning platform is based on a unique approach combining instructional AI and cognitive science to rethink the way knowledge is transmitted and assimilated.
  • The company is now preparing for European expansion and  launching  a Knowledge Assistant dedicated to informal learning.

Paris, April 15th, 2025

Didask, a SaaS eLearning platform focused on significantly improving online training, has announced a successful €10 million fundraising round led by AVP (Atlantic Vantage Point) and Citizen Capital, with support from MAIF Impact, JuneX, and historical investor Takara Capital.

The company distinguishes itself with its scientific approach, while many competitors rely on gamification or ergonomics. The startup prioritizes educational effectiveness, offering structured and accessible training  to upskill employees.

An expert is not necessarily a teacher

The journey began in 2006 at ENS, where Son Ly and Arnaud Riegert observed that eLearning often fails to transmit skills effectively without a solid educational framework. Convinced of the key role that cognitive science plays in learning, they launched Didask in 2017 with Philip Moore. Their core ambition was to enable every expert to transmit their knowledge, regardless of their pedagogical skills.

Driven by this vision, they have continued to innovate. In 2019, they reimagined the LMS (Learning Management System) with a unique, scientifically validated authoring tool to structure training creation. Then, in 2022, they launched Didia, an intelligent teaching assistant that combined  AI and cognitive science to provide engaging,  highly accessible, and immediate applicable training.

Didask’s instructional AI empowers experts to develop engaging,  pedagogically sound online learning and microlearning content regardless of their technical skills. This technology streamlines the creation of high-quality training materials across diverse fields. Leveraging insights from cognitive science research, Didask incorporates evidence-based recommendations throughout the  training creation process. From defining learning goals and sub-goals to selecting effective pedagogical approaches and creating content, it automatically generates the most suitable formats to enhance learner engagement and progress (simulations, feedback, flashcards, micro-challenges, practical cases corrected by AI), tailoring a learning path for each learner’s needs.

Growth focused on international markets and informal learning

Already adopted by over 200 companies and training organizations (ENGIE, DEKRA, KEDGE Business School, MAGORA, BestDrive, Suez, DGAFP, PELLENC, Pierre et Vacances, French National Order of Chartered Accountants, etc.), Didask will continue to innovate thanks to this latest round of fundraising.

The company, which has doubled its revenue every year since 2022, will accelerate the technological development of its platform and instructional AI. The latter will soon include a Knowledge Assistant designed to boost informal learning and facilitate daily learning. Directly accessible from work tools, Didia will thus help employeesupskill  seamlessly and sustainably.

With a team of over 80 experts, Didask also aims for international expansion, particularly in Europe.

“I thank our investors for trusting in our vision: to develop a robust technology based on cognitive science to transform corporate training. This fundraising is a key step in making our educational technology accessible to all, helping employees learn effectively on a daily basis, and expanding our impact internationally.”, says Son Ly, CEO and co-founder of Didask.

“We are thrilled to partner with Didask, a pioneering company in the evolution of online learning. Their platform combining instructional AI and cognitive science. is revolutionizing training and skill development. This investment reflects our commitment to backing AI-powered vertical applications. We applaud the work of Son and his team and look forward to supporting them in their next steps,” says François Robinet, Managing Partner at AVP.

“What convinced us about Didask is a strong conviction carried by a committed founding team: training is not just a channel for transmission, it is above all, a driver of transformation. A powerful lever not only for greater efficiency, but also for greater equity and impact on learners. Their approach, rooted in the principles of equal opportunity and powered by distinctive educational technology, fully aligns with our values at the crossroads of impact, tech, and the future of work.”, explains Mehdi Belkahla, Investment Director at Citizen Capital.

“After three years alongside Didask as a seed investor, this transaction validates our initial conviction, inspired by a remarkable scientific team. Didask is exactly the kind of company that can lead the new AI supercycle by applying this new technology vertically in a unique field of expertise.”, says Thomas Le Forestier, co-founder of Takara Capital.

About Didask

Founded in 2017, Didask is a SaaS e-learning solution that deeply transforms online training by combining cognitive science and artificial intelligence. Its platform enables organizations to create effective training programs adapted to how the brain works, for genuine skill development. Adopted by over 200 companies (ENGIE, DEKRA, KEDGE Business School, MAGORA, BestDrive, Suez, DGAFP, Pellenc, Pierre et Vacances, French National Order of Chartered Accountants, etc.), Didask aims to become a major player in digital learning in Europe. Learn more at www.didask.com.

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EQT Consortium Completes Acquisition of Nord Anglia Education

eqt

Avenues New York - NAE

  • Expanded shareholder group, led by global investors including Neuberger Berman Private Markets, CPP Investments, CF Alba and Dubai Holding, brings deep expertise and long-term capital to support Nord Anglia’s continued expansion and innovation in premium education
  • USD 14.5 billion transaction reflects Nord Anglia’s leadership in delivering world-class education and its position as a premier global institution
  • The depth and diversity of global financial asset managers and institutions in Nord Anglia’s expanded shareholder base enhance its long-term resilience, introduce fresh strategic capital and create new pathways for innovation and growth

LONDON – March 20, 2025 – EQT, as part of a global consortium of premier institutional investors including Neuberger Berman Private Markets, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”), Corporación Financiera Alba, S.A. (“CF Alba”) and Dubai Holding Investments (“Dubai Holding”) (collectively the “Consortium”), today announced the successful completion of the Consortium’s acquisition of Nord Anglia Education (“Nord Anglia” or the “Company”), valuing the business at USD 14.5 billion.

This transaction marks a significant milestone in Nord Anglia’s evolution as a global leader in private international education. Operating over 80 schools in 33 countries, Nord Anglia educates more than 90,000 students from ages 2 to 18.  Its students consistently achieve excellent academic results, with Year 12 graduates frequently accepted into the world’s top 100 universities. Central to Nord Anglia’s educational philosophy is its personalized learning approach, where classroom teaching is tailored to each student’s unique learning style.

Alongside EQT, Neuberger Berman Private Markets, CPP Investments, CF Alba and Dubai Holding, the completion of Nord Anglia’s acquisition also introduces a distinguished group of global financial asset managers or institutions which significantly broadens and strengthens the Company’s ownership structure. This group includes sovereign wealth funds, insurers, and family offices across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, which not only enhances Nord Anglia’s long-term stability as a private company but also brings new strategic perspectives, resources, and capital to drive its continued growth. The strong momentum and commitment from these investors reflect the exceptional quality of the organization and confidence in its long-term trajectory.

EQT has been a dedicated partner to Nord Anglia since 2008 and further strengthened its commitment in 2017, when CPP Investments joined as an investor. Over this period, EQT has played a central role in strategic M&A, helping Nord Anglia successfully execute more than 21 acquisitions since 2017 that have significantly expanded its footprint and earnings. Additionally, EQT has worked closely with Nord Anglia to invest in digital initiatives, enhancing both the student learning experience and operational efficiencies. Under EQT’s ownership, Nord Anglia has also established an innovative collaboration model with world-renowned institutions, further elevating its reputation for academic excellence. Its partners include UNICEF, Juilliard, MIT, IMG Academy, King’s College London, and Project Zero, a research center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Neuberger Berman, CF Alba, Dubai Holding and other leading global investors now join EQT and CPP Investments to further strengthen Nord Anglia’s position as a sophisticated, globally integrated premium education group. With a commitment to supporting both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, the Consortium ensures Nord Anglia remains well-positioned for continued innovation, expansion, and leadership in the evolving global education landscape.

Jean Eric Salata, Chairperson of EQT Asia and Head of Private Capital Asia, said, “EQT is proud to be a long-term partner to Nord Anglia and to continue supporting its evolution as a world-leading premium education platform. This transaction not only delivers a strong outcome and a successful exit for BPEA Private Equity Fund VI but also marks a defining moment for EQT, as we align with a distinguished group of global investors who share a deep commitment to Nord Anglia’s mission. The strength and diversity of this expanded shareholder base will reinforce the company’s long-term stability, provide additional strategic capital, and unlock new opportunities for innovation. We look forward to this next chapter and to seeing Nord Anglia continue to set new benchmarks in academic excellence and global impact.”

Jack Hennessy, Partner at EQT Private Equity, said, “Nord Anglia is an outstanding institution that has set new standards for excellence in global private education. For more than 16 years, we’ve worked closely with the company’s exceptional management team to expand its reach and elevate its academic offering. With the completion of this transaction, we are excited to continue this journey with Neuberger Berman, CPP Investments, CF Alba, Dubai Holding and a world-class group of long-term institutional investors, ensuring Nord Anglia is well-positioned for its next stage of growth.”

Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer of Nord Anglia Education, added, “We are delighted to partner with some of the world’s most respected investors, who share our commitment to educational excellence. EQT has been an exceptional partner over the years, helping to strengthen our academic programs, invest in research and innovation, and expand our family of schools globally. With the support of our investor group, we are excited about the future and the opportunities this will create to further improve students’ outcomes.”

EQT is investing in Nord Anglia through its BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII.

Contact
EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com

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About EQT
EQT is a purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 269 billion in total assets under management (EUR 136 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
Follow EQT on LinkedIn, X, YouTube and Instagram

About Nord Anglia Education
As a leading international schools organization, we’re shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalize learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the world’s top universities.

Our Nord Anglia global family includes 80+ day and boarding schools in 33 countries, teaching over 90,000 students from ages 3 to 18. 

To learn more: nordangliaeducation.com.

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First Intuition acquires three more franchises

We are pleased to announce that First Intuition has acquired it’s Cambridge, Leeds and Chelmsford franchises, bringing the number of franchises acquired to six and increasing its learner base by c.3,800 students.

 

First Intuition is an award-winning professional education provider with expert tutors and exceptional pass rates. It offers a full range of accountancy training pathways leading to qualifications and membership of the four main accounting bodies: AAT, CIMA, ACCA and ICAEW.

 

“First Intuition has been steadily consolidating its position as a market leader in professional education,” said Jess French, Apiary Investment Director. “We look forward to supporting the management team as they continue to deliver impressive growth in their business.”

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Apiary-backed LearnPro acquires Infographics

Apiary-backed LearnPro is pleased to announce the acquisition of Infographics, expanding its suite of virtual reality and e-learning software tailored for the UK emergency services sectors.

Roar acquires Infographics

This acquisition enhances the portfolio through the addition of the market-leading FireWatch, FloSuite and Prevent + Protect products, complementing existing software offerings, including XVR Simulation, pdrPro, and learnPro.

The addition of Infographics underscores LearnPro Group’s status as a leading software provider within the global emergency services and critical infrastructure market, while also addressing the growing demand for risk prevention solutions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Infographics to the LearnPro Group,” stated Costi Karayannis, CEO of LearnPro. “This acquisition strengthens our commitment to the UK Fire sector but also enables us to expand our ecosystem of management tools for the global emergency services and critical infrastructure sectors. We believe that the synergy of our combined capabilities will deliver even greater value to our customers.”

Ed Leeming, Investment Manager at Apiary Capital, added, “We are excited to support Costi and the LearnPro team as they drive their expansion strategy. Infographics aligns perfectly with LearnPro, and together, their combined resources will significantly benefit their user base.”

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KKR and Dragoneer Complete Acquisition of Instructure

KKR

Investment to support newly private company’s plans for product innovation and worldwide growth

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Instructure Holdings, Inc. (“Instructure”), a leading learning ecosystem, today announced the close of its acquisition by investment funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm, and Dragoneer, a growth-oriented investor, for $23.60 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at an enterprise value of approximately $4.8 billion. With the completion of the transaction, Instructure’s common stock has ceased trading and the company is no longer listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Instructure is a leading global provider of learning management, education-tech effectiveness and credentialing solutions. The Instructure ecosystem of products enhances the lives and outcomes of students, professional learners and educators. The company has impacted approximately 200 million learners across more than 100 countries and boasts a thriving community of over 1,000 partners. Together with its expansive network of educators, learners and partners, the company is committed to broadening its platform and delivering $1B in revenue by 2028.

“We could not be more excited to begin the next phase of our journey as the mission-critical educational operating system that schools, institutions and companies rely on to improve outcomes for lifelong learners,” said Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure. “Having KKR’s support will help us double down on core markets, scale our global reach at a faster pace and unlock new opportunities as we continue to innovate and enhance Canvas and the Instructure Learning Ecosystem. Together, we expect to build on our position as the education ecosystem that powers learning for a lifetime and turns education into opportunities for all learners globally.”

“Instructure has built a strong reputation as a true leader and partner in the learning community,” said Webster Chua, partner at KKR. “We look forward to working closely with Steve and the team to leverage KKR’s global platform to continue growing and scaling the Instructure ecosystem.”

“Instructure reminds us of those generational vertical software companies with all the key ingredients: strong customer love, mission criticality, and a commitment to product superiority,” said Christian Jensen, Partner at Dragoneer Investment Group. “Together with KKR, we are fully supportive of Instructure’s commitment to having a profound and transformative impact on the global education market.”

ADVISORS

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as the lead financial advisor, Macquarie Capital also acted as a financial advisor to Instructure and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as the legal advisor to Instructure.  Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Moelis & Company LLC and UBS Investment Bank acted as financial advisors and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal advisor to KKR.

ABOUT INSTRUCTURE

Instructure powers the delivery of education globally and provides learners with the rich credentials they need to create opportunities across their lifetimes. Today, the Instructure ecosystem of products enables educators and institutions to elevate student success, amplify the power of teaching, and inspire everyone to learn together. With our global network of learners, educators, partners and customers, we continue to deliver on our vision to be the platform that powers learning for a lifetime and turns that learning into opportunities. We encourage you to discover more at www.instructure.com.

ABOUT KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com.

ABOUT DRAGONEER

Dragoneer Investment Group is a growth-oriented investment firm with over $23 billion under management and a flexible mandate to invest in high-quality businesses in both the public and private markets. For over a decade, Dragoneer has partnered with management teams to grow exceptional companies, characterized by sustainable differentiation and superior economic models. Dragoneer looks to partner with the best businesses globally and has been an investor in companies such as Airbnb, AmWINS, Atlassian, Datadog, Dayforce, Doordash, Duck Creek, Livongo, Nubank, PointClickCare, Procore, ServiceTitan, Slack, Snowflake, Spotify, Square, Tekion, Uber, and others.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements about the potential benefits of the completed acquisition of Instructure Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give the Company’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the potential benefits of the transaction, its business and industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by the Company regarding its financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business, all of which are subject to change. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “can have,” “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to the Company.

Because such statements are based on expectations as to future financial and operating results and are not statements of fact, actual results may differ materially from those projected and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including: (i) the Company’s ability to implement its business strategy following completion of the acquisition; (ii) ongoing litigation and potential further litigation relating to the acquisition, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (iii) risks that disruptions from the acquisition will harm the Company’s business, including current plans and operations; (iv) the effect of the announcement of the completion of the acquisition on the Company’s business relationships, operating results and business generally; (v) the Company’s ability to retain, hire and integrate skilled personnel including the Company’s senior management team and maintain relationships with key business partners and customers, and others with whom it does business, in light of the acquisition; (vi) risks related to diverting management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations; (vii) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the acquisition; (viii) the impact of adverse general and industry-specific economic and market conditions; (ix) the impact of inflation, rising interest rates, and global conflicts; and (x) risks that the benefits of the acquisition are not realized when and as expected. The Company cautions you that the important factors referenced above may not contain all of the factors that are important to you. In addition, the Company cannot assure you that the Company will realize the results or developments expected or anticipated or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences or affect the Company or the Company’s operations in the way the Company expects. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

CONTACT:

Instructure:
JP Schuerman
Corporate Communications
(801) 658-7525
jp.schuerman@instructure.com

KKR:
Julia Kosygina or Lauren McCranie
(212) 750-8300

SOURCE Instructure Holdings, Inc.

 

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Stepful Secures $31.5 Million Series B Led by Oak HC/FT to Address U.S. Healthcare Worker Shortage

Oak HC FT

Investment will expand scalable programs and partnerships with healthcare providers, aiming to close critical workforce gaps by 2025

Stepful, the company dedicated to re-imagining healthcare training for allied health professional jobs, today announced it has raised $31.5 million in Series B funding. The round was led by Oak HC/FT with participation from Y Combinator, Reach Capital, AlleyCorp, SemperVirens, Company Ventures, Green Sands, ECMC Education Impact Fund, Intermountain Ventures, and Cedar Pine.

Today, Stepful offers educational training programs for both entry-level positions, including medical assistants, medical admins, and pharmacy technicians, and advanced programs for licensed practical nurses and surgical technicians. Unlike other trade schools, Stepful is an AI-powered learning platform with an accelerated format, lower costs and placement for students who successfully complete the program. To date, the company has seen strong growth in its business, expanding from 50 students in 2021 to more than 30,000 enrollees projected in 2024. With this new funding, Stepful will expand its B2B offering and continue growing its health system partnerships.

Stepful’s platform is designed for working adults, particularly from historically underserved communities, providing virtual instructor-led courses that include live, cohort-based learning sessions and one-on-one coaching for those looking for entry-level positions in hospitals and healthcare settings. Additionally, the program’s bite-sized, asynchronous, interactive learning modules allow students to manage their studies alongside other commitments, while AI-powered feedback offers personalized support and outreach to ensure students don’t fall behind.

“This funding supports our mission to make healthcare training more accessible while addressing the U.S. shortage of healthcare workers,” said Carl Madi, CEO of Stepful. “It enables us to reach more students, ensuring that our graduates can transition into high-demand roles more quickly, grow our practical nursing offerings, and open new schools in key regions. We’re also enhancing our capabilities to better serve healthcare employers by adding tools for screening and vetting, analytics, on-site learning support, and to pursue strategic acquisitions.”

The U.S. healthcare system will face a shortage of 3.2 million allied healthcare workers, nurses, and mental health professionals by 2026, according to the American Hospital Association, which could result in $86 billion in increased expenses and employee burnout. Traditional educational models, such as community colleges and trade schools, often require in-person attendance, have enrollment caps, and are costly—limiting their scalability in addressing these shortages.

Stepful’s approach has yielded industry-leading outcomes, including an 87% NHA CCMA exam pass rate—ten points higher than the national average—and a 75% completion rate. Stepful currently serves 13,000 monthly active students and boasts a network of over 8,000 healthcare partners  where students complete hands-on clinical training.

“Stepful is addressing a significant unmet need to mitigate the health professional labor shortage, and they’re doing it while creating a win-win situation for both students and employers,” said Vig Chandramouli, Partner at Oak HC/FT. “The quality and outcomes of Stepful’s program have proven to be superior to current options with higher graduation rates, certification pass rates, and job placement rates, all at a lower cost. We’re proud to partner with Stepful as they scale their impact.”

As the $28 billion healthcare training market continues to grow amidst labor shortages, Stepful is positioning itself as an end-to-end workforce solution for healthcare employers, adding tools like online training, on-site learning support, and analytics. By collaborating with major healthcare providers like Providence, Ohio State University Physicians, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Stepful’s growing B2B segment is positioned to help systems directly feed their labor pool with well-trained, skilled workers.

About Stepful

Stepful offers accelerated, affordable training programs for healthcare roles. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, Stepful connects students to job opportunities after certification. Stepful was co-founded by Carl Madi, Tressia Hobeika and Edoardo Serra. For more information, visit Stepful.com.

About Oak HC/FT 

Oak HC/FT is a venture and growth equity firm specializing in investments in fintech and healthcare. Using partnership as a foundation, Oak HC/FT guides companies and founders at every stage, from seed to growth, to create businesses that make a measurable and lasting impact. Founded in 2014, Oak HC/FT has invested in over 85 portfolio companies and has over $5.3 billion in assets under management. Oak HC/FT is headquartered in Stamford, CT, with an office in San Francisco, CA. Follow Oak HC/FT on LinkedIn and X and learn more at https://www.oakhcft.com/.

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CVC Credit and CAPZA support the acquisition of ILERNA

CVC Capital Partners

CVC Credit, the global credit management business of CVC, and CAPZA, a leading player in private investments in European SMEs, are pleased to announce the co-arrangement of a Unitranche financing to support the acquisition of ILERNA by Jacobs Holding.

Founded in 2014, ILERNA is the leading player in the online Vocational Educational Training (VET) market in Spain, offering a broad portfolio of more than 30 fully accredited VET courses across various fields, with a particular emphasis on healthcare and IT, to working professionals seeking to enhance or shift their career.

A pioneer on its market, ILERNA has a physical presence in key regions across Spain, including Catalonia, Madrid, Andalusia, and Castilla y León, and serves students across all of Spain through its online offering. It currently trains approximately 46,000 students and employs around 480 staff members.

Over the last three years, the Group has demonstrated impressive growth, growing at a c.25% annual rate. The platform’s success stems from its innovative “learning by doing” methodology, designed to provide practical skills that meet the current demands of employers. It includes a market-leading virtual campus experience with materials specifically designed for online training. Furthermore, ILERNA’s internship program has over 4,300 agreements with leading companies, a strong selling point for candidates.

Through this transaction, Jacobs Holding acquires a majority stake in ILERNA, supported by a financing package co-arranged by CVC Credit and CAPZA, to help the Group enhance its educational programs, expand its curriculum, promote advanced technological tools, and extend its physical footprint.

Quotes

CVC Credit were able to leverage the CVC Network’s breadth and experience of the education sector which, combined with our innovative approach to financial solutions, enabled CVC Credit to be a chosen partner for ILERNA’s future growth.

Rafael Figuera FelizInvestment Director, CVC Credit

Rafael Figuera Feliz, Investment Director, CVC Credit commented: “ILERNA has a proven business model that continues to flourish across Spain, under this new partnership it will be able to accelerate the provision of its in-demand offering to many more prospective students. CVC Credit were able to leverage the CVC Network’s breadth and experience of the education sector which, combined with our innovative approach to financial solutions, enabled CVC Credit to be a chosen partner for ILERNA’s future growth.”

José Tomás Moliner, Head of Spain, CAPZA added: “We are excited to partner with ILERNA and its management team at this pivotal moment in their growth journey. ILERNA has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality vocational educational courses to its students, and we are confident that this new partnership with Jacobs Holding will enable the Group to strengthen its market-leading position. With our flexible and customized financing solutions, we are thrilled to support the Group in realizing its ambitious growth plan.”

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Oakley Capital agrees sale of Schülerhilfe to LLCP

Oakley

Oakley Capital, a leading pan-European private equity investor, is pleased to announce that Oakley Capital Fund III (‘Fund III’) has agreed to sell its majority stake in Schülerhilfe to Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (“LLCP”). The completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

Schülerhilfe is the leading provider of professional tutoring services to primary and secondary school students across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with over 140,000 students across c.1,200 branches. Oakley invested in the business in 2017 alongside education entrepreneur Dieter Werkhausen, building on the Firm’s track record of backing successful education businesses.

In partnership with Oakley, Schülerhilfe has strengthened its position as a provider of tutoring services for K-12 students in its core markets, by focusing on quality in-person tutoring, complemented by an online offering and language courses for adults.

Schulerhilfe CTA

Oakley helped Schülerhilfe pivot its teaching programme to online when Covid lockdowns kept students at home, before enrolments rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

Shutterstock 2413318031

Schülerhilfe’s ongoing investment in online has allowed it to sustain hybrid learning, as well as support new technology initiatives, including the highly successful launch of “Kira”, an online AI learning chatbot.

Meanwhile, Schülerhilfe’s expansion into language courses for adults including on-site, online and B2B, has helped grow its total addressable market. More recently, Oakley has supported Schülerhilfe’s ongoing expansion within DACH, via the acquisition of fit4school in Switzerland, one of the leading tutoring firms in the country with 34 corporate centres. Today, Schülerhilfe is the clear market leader in the DACH region with 720 of its own corporate centres and 431 franchise centres, making it the third largest franchise network in Germany.

Quote Peter Dubens

Schülerhilfe has succeeded by delivering on an ambitious expansion strategy without sacrificing the quality of its tutoring. Under Dieter’s leadership, the business has expanded into new geographies and services, and today is a key partner for students striving for education success.

Peter Dubens

co-Founder and Managing Partner — Oakley Capital

Quote Dieter Werkhausen

At Schülerhilfe we’re proud of our record helping thousands of students each year to improve their grades and get ahead in school. We’ve had a very fruitful partnership with Oakley, and have appreciated their entrepreneurial approach. In particular, we have leveraged their strong M&A track record as well as their expertise in digitisation which together have helped us deliver our strategic goals. Now, we look forward to working with LLCP as we aim to accelerate our growth and reinforce our position as market leader in the DACH region.

Dieter Werkhausen

CEO — Schülerhilfe

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Neuberger Berman Private Markets, EQT and CPP Investments Form Consortium to Acquire Leading International Schools Organization Nord Anglia Education

eqt

The new majority ownership group will help to strengthen Nord Anglia’s mission of delivering world-class education and cultivating the next generation of global leaders and innovators

Transaction values Nord Anglia at USD 14.5 billion, underscoring its leadership in the global education sector

Global institutional investors will diversify Nord Anglia’s shareholder base, bringing long-term support for sustained growth and stability

 

Neuberger Berman Private Markets, EQT, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”), together with global institutional investors (collectively the “Consortium”), today announced the signing of definitive share purchase agreements in Nord Anglia Education (“Nord Anglia” or the “Company”)for an enterprise value of USD 14.5 billion. Existing owners EQT and CPP Investments will remain shareholders in the Company through a new fund investment and reinvestment, respectively.

Nord Anglia is a leading international schools organization, operating over 80 schools in 33 countries and educating more than 85,000 students from ages 2 to 18. Its students consistently achieve excellent academic results, with Year 12 graduates frequently accepted into the world’s top 100 universities. Central to Nord Anglia’s educational philosophy is its personalized learning approach, where teaching is tailored to each student’s unique learning style. Learning experiences are further enhanced through Nord Anglia’s exclusive global partnerships with distinguished institutions such as UNICEF, MIT, Juilliard, and IMG Academy, alongside the Company’s proprietary digital learning platforms.

The announced agreement to acquire Nord Anglia further extends EQT’s longstanding relationship with the Company, which began with its initial investment in 2008. In 2017, EQT strengthened its commitment by increasing its stake in the Company and welcoming CPP Investments as a partner. EQT and CPP Investments now continue their support of Nord Anglia, joined by Neuberger Berman, and other global institutional investors. EQT is investing in Nord Anglia through its BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII. CPP Investments will reinvest a portion of its stake in support of the acquisition.

Neuberger Berman, as a new strategic partner, will play an integral role in strengthening the Consortium’s commitment to supporting Nord Anglia’s continued growth through both organic and inorganic strategies. Alongside Neuberger Berman, EQT, and CPP Investments will continue their close collaboration with Nord Anglia to guide the Company into its next phase and enhance its ability to deliver world-class education in key global markets.

“Nord Anglia’s extensive track record and unwavering commitment to supporting over 85,000 students worldwide uniquely positions the company for future growth. We are honored to lead a consortium of investors who share our passion for delivering exceptional educational experiences,” said David Stonberg, Managing Director at Neuberger Berman. “We are excited to partner with the EQT team, whose deep industry expertise and proven collaboration with Nord Anglia’s management enhance this investment,” added Jonathan Shofet, Managing Director at Neuberger Berman. “Together with CPP Investments, we aim to support Nord Anglia’s mission of delivering world-class education.”

Jack Hennessy, Partner within the EQT Private Equity advisory team, said, “EQT has had the privilege of partnering with Nord Anglia since 2008, and we’ve developed a deep connection with this exceptional business. Over the years, we’ve witnessed Nord Anglia grow from six schools to more than 80 which today serve more than 85,000 students across the globe. Alongside this growth, we’re proud to have helped elevate teaching excellence through industry-leading partnerships established under our ownership. With today’s announcement, we are thrilled to continue this journey with Neuberger Berman, CPP Investments, and our global institutional co-investors, and support Nord Anglia’s continued success and innovation in the global education space.”

Caitlin Gubbels, Senior Managing Director & Global Head of Private Equity, CPP Investments, said, “Nord Anglia was CPP Investments’ first direct equity investment in the private education sector, and we are proud to have been a partner, alongside EQT, in its growth globally over the years. Our reinvestment allows us to remain committed to Nord Anglia while delivering an attractive return to the CPP Fund. We are highly confident in the growth potential of the sector and look forward to working with new investors.”

Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer, Nord Anglia Education, said, “Families choose our schools because we help our students gain the academic outcomes, confidence, and life skills they need to succeed in the future. At the heart of our students’ achievements are our high-quality teachers. Our ability to attract and develop outstanding teachers sees us receive over 60 applications for every teaching vacancy, reflecting the strength of our world-class professional learning program and career pathways. Since day one, EQT and CPP Investments have shared our educational philosophy and with the addition of Neuberger Berman, we are further strengthening this successful partnership. Focused on improving students’ outcomes, we will accelerate our research of new teaching and learning practices, curricula innovation, and the growth and development of our global teaching community.”

Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are serving as lead financial advisors to Nord Anglia, Lazard is serving as private capital advisor to Nord Anglia, and Deutsche Bank and HSBC are serving as financial advisors to Nord Anglia. Latham & Watkins is acting as legal advisor to Nord Anglia. Debevoise & Plimpton and Ropes & Gray are acting as legal advisors to EQT.

With this transaction, BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII is expected to be 80-90 percent invested (including closed and/or signed investments, announced public offers, if applicable, and less any expected syndication) based on target fund size and subject to customary regulatory approvals.

The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, and may not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or solicitation. Any offer or solicitation in respect of BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII will be made only through a confidential private placement memorandum and related documents which will be furnished to qualified investors on a confidential basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution to persons in the United States of America. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold without registration thereunder or pursuant to an available exemption therefrom. Any offering of securities to be made in the United States would have to be made by means of an offering document that would be obtainable from the issuer or its agents and would contain detailed information about the issuer of the securities and its management, as well as financial information. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration.

Contacts:

For Neuberger Berman:
Alex Samuelson, +1 212 476 5392, Alexander.Samuelson@NB.com

For EQT:
EQT Press Office, Press@EqtPartners.com

For CPP Investments:
Connie Ling, +852 3959 3476, CLing@CPPIB.com

For Nord Anglia Education:
James Russell, +44 (0) 7770 365437, james.russell@nordanglia.com
Edward Simpkins +44 (0)7947 740551, edward.simpkins@fgsglobal.com

 

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