July 1, 2025 >> HEG’s Inner Circle Private School eNews: New Group Buys Two Cognita Schools

Hello Douglas,

Welcome to the 171st edition of HEG’s Inner Circle Private School eNews, where Halladay Education Group shares key insights into the latest investment activity shaping the global private education sector.

HEG INSIGHTS

Private education continues to draw strong interest from investors worldwide, with a steady flow of deals across K-12, edtech, and vocational training. Recent activity highlights a clear trend: buyers see education as both resilient and scalable. In the UK, two Cognita schools were acquired by a new education group, reflecting consolidation in the premium K-12 sector. King's College School Wimbledon is opening a new campus in Abu Dhabi, while Hercules Capital acquired Quality Transport Training, signaling growing demand for specialized vocational programs.

On the tech side, Bytedance acquired the U.S.-based reading platform Epic for $95 million, highlighting the value global buyers place on Western curricula and digital tools. Institutional players, such as Blackstone, HarbourVest, and Pantheon, are gaining exposure through secondary investments, including those in the Yale endowment portfolio. Even high-profile entrepreneurs like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos are launching or backing schools, underscoring a long-term belief in education’s impact and potential.

At Halladay Education Group, we turn this kind of insight into action. Whether advising on the sale of a private K-12 school or managing international mergers and acquisitions, we help clients stay ahead of market shifts and position themselves for success. If you're thinking about a transaction or want to know how your school fits in today’s evolving market, we’d be glad to talk.

Looking to explore opportunities or get a confidential valuation? Contact us today

To Your Continued Success,

Douglas Halladay | President, Halladay Education Group

TF: +1.800.687.1492 | C: +1.604.868.0002

Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

WeChat: dhalladay | WhatsApp: 604.868.0002

Please view our Corporate Brochure and our Corporate Video.

NEW GROUP BUYS TWO COGNITA SCHOOLS



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Halladay Education Group (HEG) is a premier M&A advisory firm specializing exclusively in the private education sector across North America and internationally. With over 30 years of experience, HEG has successfully led the sale, acquisition, and recapitalization of a diverse range of educational institutions, including K-12 private schools, boarding and Montessori schools, early childhood centers, ESL programs, career colleges, and higher education platforms.

We are a trusted advisor to private equity firms, institutional investors, operators, and family offices pursuing strategic growth, as well as school owners seeking full or partial exits. Backed by deep sector expertise, an extensive proprietary database of qualified buyers, and full-cycle transaction support, HEG has earned a reputation as one of the most active and respected firms in the field. To confidentially discuss your institution’s strategic options—whether a sale, merger, acquisition, or financing—and how emerging trends may impact your outlook, contact us at 1-800-687-1402. Please view our Corporate Brochure.

info@halladayeducationgroup.com | 1-800-687-1492 | www.buyingandsellingschools.com