Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company announced today its agreement to acquire a minority stake in U.K.-based private school operator Nord Anglia Education for $600 million. Mubadala will join the consortium led by global investment organization EQT, which includes Neuberger Berman, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Corporación Financiera Alba, S.A. and Dubai Holding.
“We are pleased to announce our investment in Nord Anglia Education and are proud to be joining an experienced consortium of international investors led by EQT. The increasing demand for high-quality education, coupled with Nord Anglia’s innovative approach and commitment to individualized learning makes this a compelling opportunity,” stated Alvin Teh, head of consumer at Mubadala.
Mubadala expands education footprint
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 regularly 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.
“We’re pleased to welcome Mubadala as a new investor in Nord Anglia. This marks an important milestone in the company’s journey and further strengthens its position as the world’s leading premium education platform. Mubadala brings a global perspective and strategic reach that will be valuable as Nord Anglia continues to grow and innovate,” noted Jack Hennessy, partner at EQT Private Capital.
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Swedish EQT acquires Nord Anglia Education for $14.5 billion
Mubadala’s acquisition follows Swedish investment firm EQT’s announcement in October last year of forming the consortium to take ownership of Nord Anglia Education for $14.5 billion, including debt. The deal extended EQT’s long involvement with Nord Anglia, which started with an initial investment in 2008.
EQT’s Asia team floated Nord Anglia in a $304 million New York IPO in 2014 before taking it private three years later with CPPIB in a deal that valued it at $4.3 billion.
“Mubadala’s commitment to the growth and development of Nord Anglia’s educational offer will further strengthen the learning experiences we create for students as the world’s leading international schools organisation,” added Andrew Fitzmaurice, CEO of Nord Anglia Education.
