Plena Education Eyes Expansion with €10 Million Boost
Deal News | Jun 16, 2025 | Finance Community IT - 3 Private Equity
Plena Education, supported by KYIP Capital, has secured a €10 million funding to optimize its capital structure and spearhead new investments, including finalizing the acquisition of Cast Alimenti, an esteemed culinary school. This funding marks a pivotal step in Plena Education's journey as it transitions from rapid growth through acquisitions to a consolidation phase, guided by experienced management. The group's comprehensive academic offerings, spanning creative fields like design, fashion, music, and culinary arts, have broadened with accreditations and partnerships, drawing an increased international student base. With a solid financial foundation, Plena Education aims to expand further in high-demand creative disciplines and regions, positioning itself as a leading high-value-added educational platform in Italy's fragmented market. KYIP Capital's CEO, Gianluca Losi, highlights Plena's unique integrated and diversified platform as a transformative force in Italian higher education, aligning with their strategy to support the consolidation and establishment of a European hub for specialized higher education.
Sectors
- Education and Training
- Private Equity
Geography
- Italy – The article focuses on Plena Education, an Italian educational group, with operations and expansions primarily in Italy, making Italy the relevant geographical setting.
Industry
- Education and Training – Plena Education operates within the education industry, focusing on higher education in the creative arts, representing a significant sector involving various educational programs and institutions.
- Private Equity – KYIP Capital, a private equity firm, plays a crucial role in the funding and strategic support of Plena Education, highlighting the financial services industry's influence in educational expansion and investment.
Financials
- 10 million euros – The amount of funding secured by Plena Education to optimize its capital structure and invest in new opportunities.
- 27 million euros – Plena Education's revenue, reflecting its market position in the educational sector.
- 5 million euros – Plena Education's adjusted EBITDA, indicating its financial performance.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plena Education | Target company | Company | Third largest private group in Italy for higher education in creative arts. |
| KYIP Capital | Investment and support | Company | An independent Italian private equity firm supporting Plena Education in its growth. |
| Cast Alimenti | Acquired company | Company | A culinary school in Brescia known for training high-level professionals. |
| illimity Bank | Agent Bank | Company | Acted as the agent bank in the financing operation. |
| Cherry Bank | Mandated Lead Arranger | Company | Through its structured finance division, involved in the funding arrangement for Plena Education. |
| illimity SGR | Mandated Lead Arranger | Company | Through the illimity Selective Credit fund, involved in the financing scheme. |
| Fineurop Soditic | Debt Advisor | Company | Acted as the debt advisor for the financing operation. |
| Gianluca Losi | CEO, KYIP Capital | Person | CEO and founding partner of KYIP Capital, overseeing the strategic support to Plena Education. |