STOCKHOLM: EQT Infrastructure VI fund has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in the prestigious Universidad Europea from Permira, marking a significant shift in the landscape of private higher education in Europe.

Permira will maintain a substantial minority interest in the university, signifying ongoing confidence in the institution’s growth trajectory.

Universidad Europea, established in 1996, has emerged as one of Europe’s largest and most rapidly expanding private university networks.

Renowned for its comprehensive range of high-caliber undergraduate, graduate, and advanced career programs, the university is particularly acclaimed for its offerings in Sports, Social Sciences, STEAM disciplines, and Health Studies—a sector of heightened demand.

With a workforce of 3,400 and a vibrant community of 54,000 students and 130,000 alumni spread across 12 campuses, Universidad Europea boasts an impressive portfolio of over 500 degrees and 110 innovative programs.

The university prides itself on an educational philosophy that prioritizes experiential learning, supported by a distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and advanced technology, all contributing to exceptional student outcomes.

The acquisition comes at a time when the Spanish and Portuguese private higher education sectors are poised for growth, fueled by demographic shifts and the increasing appeal of Spain as a prime destination for international students from Europe and Latin America.

EQT’s strategic plan includes significant investments in the university’s existing campuses and leveraging its digital expertise to bolster Universidad Europea’s online offerings, catering to the rising demand for flexible hybrid and remote learning options. The investment firm’s local and global insights will be instrumental in the university’s expansion into new regions.

The transaction, advised by Deutsche Bank and Allen & Overy, is subject to standard conditions and regulatory approvals, with an anticipated completion in the latter half of 2024. This move positions EQT Infrastructure VI fund to be 30-35% invested, based on the targeted fund size, including all closed, signed, or publicly announced investments, adjusted for any expected syndications.

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.”