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Welcome To HEG’s Inner Circle eNews
A Bi-Weekly Recap of Essential Reading For The Private School Sector
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Welcome to the 198th 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 MARKET INTELLIGENCE
The market's message this cycle is consistent: capital keeps moving into private education, and it favours scale over one-off deals. Recent transactions highlight the importance of platform-building, cross-border expansion, and a widening appetite for education-adjacent services. Well-capitalized groups are consolidating school networks and career college brands rather than buying single assets. Cross-border buyers, notably Chinese and Brazil-focused investors, are paying up for established institutions in premium markets. Larger operators are shedding non-core schools to sharpen focus, while capital increasingly follows technology and services around the classroom, from AI-native learning to student housing.
For owners, the takeaway is straightforward: buyers are paying for scale, brand, and a clean growth story, not potential alone. Clean financials, leadership depth, and a credible expansion plan separate a premium outcome from an average one.
For buyers, the best platforms are commanding full value. Discipline remains essential, and the most promising opportunities are where a turnaround thesis, not a lower multiple, can be confidently underwritten. This approach helps buyers feel assured about their strategic choices.
At Halladay Education Group, we track these signals closely across private schools, career colleges, language schools, and education platforms to identify emerging opportunities and trends.
If you are considering a sale, acquisition, or recapitalization, schedule a confidential 30-minute call with us to gain insights on current buyer criteria and how your institution compares. Reach out to us at info@HalladayEducationGroup.com. In this edition, you'll find our featured opportunities below.
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1) NURSING & HEALTHCARE CAREER COLLEGE GROUP IN WESTERN CANADA
REVIEWING OFFERS
Market-leading, multi-campus healthcare education platform. FY25 anchors at $14.5M in revenue and $3.4M in EBITDA (23% margin), scaling asset-light to $19.3M and $5.9M by FY27F (30% margin), demonstrating strong earnings momentum and growth visibility. Programs include Practical Nursing (LPN) and allied health. Underwriting rests on: (i) approved programs with domestic financial-eligibility status, (ii) defensible practicum access, and (iii) predominantly domestic tuition revenues. More Info
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2) MULTI-CAMPUS WESTERN CANADIAN HEALTH / WELLNESS / BEAUTY CAREER COLLEGE PLATFORM
Scaled multi-campus Western Canadian career college group with substantial healthcare exposure and FY26F projected EBITDA of about $2.6M on $6.6M of revenue. The platform combines domestic demand, practical employer-aligned training, and a capacity-ready multi-campus footprint that supports further margin expansion. Growth opportunities include adding cohorts, selective program expansion, pricing optimization, and increased utilization of clinics and salons. More Info.
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4) PREMIUM EUROPEAN SUMMER CAMP PLATFORM
Project Alpine: 50+ years, 350,000 alumni, and participants from 60 countries. FY26F: US$7.2M revenue / $1.2M EBITDA. Buyer value: brand equity, high-margin enrollments, multi-country programming, and repeat/cross-sell potential across channels. Growth levers include extended seasons, new locations, and structured partnerships. More Info
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4) U.S. FOR-PROFIT K-12 BUYER (VOUCHER/ESA STATES)
Global operator seeking acquisitions of for-profit day schools in voucher/ESA markets. Target: $500K–$5M EBITDA, strong academics, and clear growth. Flexible deal structures, including real estate options, are suitable for single sites or small groups. Priority: FL, TX, AZ, GA (plus IN, IA, OH, NC, UT, WV, AL, LA, OK, NH, TN). Confidential, founder-friendly, proven integration. More info
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5) PROFITABLE TRANSPORT CANADA–APPROVED FTU + AVIATION CAREER COLLEGE (WESTERN CANADA)
Scaled, asset-backed aviation training platform: Transport Canada–approved FTU within a provincially accredited career college with DLI and Student Aid eligibility. FY26F: $3.45M revenue, ~335 students, normalized EBITDA ~$910K (FY24–FY25F avg), expanding to ~$1.05M at 30%+ margins. Leased airside campus; 11-aircraft fleet (~$2.6M), simulator, and maintenance operations create a defensible regulatory/operating moat. More Info
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DUBLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL
IN $125.5 MILLION
DEAL
China Chunlai Education Group is set to acquire Dublin Business School from Kaplan.
Read more
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IMARTICUS LEARNING ACQUIRES SINGAPORE-BASED BELLS INSTITUTE
Brings together two institutions focused on education and workforce development.
Read more
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ASCEND LEARNING ACQUIRES TAMS TO STRENGTHEN FACULTY OPS
New addition helps nursing programs staff smarter and teach more.
Read more
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KENT COMPLETES LANDMARK 'SUPER-UNIVERSITY' MERGER WITH GREENWICH
Marking the legal formation of the London and South East University Group – to be known as LASE.
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HSU AND CICM CONFIRM COMPLETION OF MERGER
Health Sciences University and the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine announce a significant milestone.
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SOUTH FLORIDA DRAGON FLIGHT TRAINING ACQUIRED BY ALPHA-TECH AVIATION SERVICES
Acquisition preserves a Pembroke Pines aviation business while supporting continued pilot training in Broward County.
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COURSERA MAKES $100M STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN LEARNVECTOR
The investment is intended to advance Coursera’s AI strategy.
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FOREIGN GROUPS ACCELERATE PUSH INTO BRAZIL'S PREMIUM SCHOOL MARKET
International operators are buying elite bilingual schools as consolidation accelerates in private education.
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CORE SPACES CLOSES $1.64B STUDENT HOUSING FUND
Core Spaces has closed its latest flagship student housing fund from global investors.
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IMAGINE LEARNING ACQUIRES WAYSIDE PUBLISHING TO ADVANCE WORLD LANGUAGE EDUCATION
Acquisition strengthens Imagine Learning’s portfolio of high-quality instructional materials.
Read more
| | ABOUT HEG’S M&A ADVISORY SERVICES | | |
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
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