ISP Deepens Middle East Footprint with Tenth School Acquisition
Deal News | Jan 28, 2025 | Zawya

International Schools Partnership (ISP), a global K-12 school network founded by Partners Group, has expanded its presence in the Middle East by acquiring its tenth school in the region, Durham School for Girls in Doha, Qatar. ISP's regional expansion is driven by increasing demand for high-quality, international education in the Middle East, fueled by regional economic growth, demographic trends, and the increasing availability of tertiary education. ISP now operates schools in Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai, with a strong focus on providing inclusive and aspirational international educational experiences. Under Divisional CEO Bharat Mansukhani's leadership, ISP aims to grow its network to 20 schools in the region. Partners Group, known for its transformational investing approach, highlights the successful growth and strategic alignment of ISP's inclusive educational approach with regional needs.
Sectors
- Education
- Private Equity
Geography
- Middle East – The article focuses on ISP's expansion in the Middle East, with specific mention of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar.
- Qatar – The acquisition of Durham School for Girls in Doha, Qatar, is a central event in the article.
Industry
- Education – The article discusses ISP's investment in K-12 schools, highlighting growth in the education sector in the Middle East.
- Private Equity – Partners Group, a prominent private equity firm, is instrumental in ISP's expansion, illustrating the role of private markets in education investment.
Financials
Participants
Name | Role | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
International Schools Partnership (ISP) | Target Company | Company | A global K-12 school network expanding in the Middle East. |
Partners Group | Private Equity Firm | Company | A large global private markets firm, founder of ISP. |
Durham School for Girls | Acquired School | Other | A girls' school in Doha, Qatar, acquired by ISP. |
Bharat Mansukhani | Divisional CEO for Middle East & Asia, ISP | Person | Oversees ISP's operations and growth in the Middle East and Asia. |
Suhail Albaz | Chairman Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, Partners Group | Person | Highlights ISP's growth strategy and philosophy. |
Alec Zimmermann | Media Relations | Person | Contact for Partners Group media inquiries. |
Nigel Sillitoe | Media Relations | Person | Contact for Insight Discovery media inquiries. |