Qimam El Hayat Joins Forces with SEP to Enhance Education in KSA
Deal News | Jan 29, 2025 | Zawya
Spark Education Platform (SEP), a KSA-based K-12 operator owned by the Saudi Education Fund and managed by EFG Hermes, has acquired a majority stake in Qimam El Hayat International School in Riyadh. This acquisition marks SEP's second strategic move in the Kingdom, following its recent acquisition of four schools. SEP plans significant upgrades, including relocating the school to a new campus and increasing capacity by over 50%. Qimam El Hayat, established in 2005, offers a full K-12 education with an American curriculum to 3,000 students and will see its leadership team retained as part of the transaction. With this acquisition, SEP expands its portfolio to eight schools across KSA, UAE, and Bahrain, enrolling over 10,000 students. This move aligns with the broader strategy of meeting the increasing demand for high-quality education in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Sectors
- Education
- Private Equity
- Financial Services
Geography
- Saudi Arabia – The core of the transaction and strategic educational expansion is focused in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating SEP's commitment to the kingdom's Vision 2030.
- Middle East – The involvement of EFG Hermes and SEP's operations spanning the Middle East place the transaction within the broader regional expansion strategy.
Industry
- Education – The focus of the article is on the acquisition of a school and the broader strategy to enhance educational quality within KSA and the Middle East.
- Private Equity – The acquisition is managed by EFG Hermes, a key player in the private equity sector, indicating the strategic investment in the education industry through equity funds.
- Financial Services – EFG Holding, which owns EFG Hermes, is a prominent financial services institution, playing a significant role in managing investments such as the Saudi Education Fund.
Financials
- USD 300 million – The fund size of the Saudi Education Fund launched by EFG Hermes aimed at establishing a world-class K-12 educational operator in KSA.
- 8 – Total number of schools SEP will have in its portfolio after the acquisition, expanding their reach across KSA, UAE, and Bahrain.
- 10,000 – The number of enrolled students across SEP's school network post-acquisition.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark Education Platform (SEP) | Acquirer | Company | A fast-growing K-12 operator in KSA, part of the Saudi Education Fund, focusing on strategic educational investments across the Middle East. |
| Qimam El Hayat International School | Target | Company | An established K-12 educational institution offering the American Curriculum in Riyadh. |
| Saudi Education Fund (SEF) | Owner of SEP | Investment Firm | Managed by EFG Hermes, dedicated to elevating the standard of education across Saudi Arabia. |
| EFG Hermes | Fund Manager | Company | A leading investment bank managing SEP and supporting strategic growth in the education sector within MENA. |
| EFG Holding | Parent Company | Company | A major financial institution providing diverse financial products and managing investments like those in the education sector. |
| Ahmed Wahby | CEO of SEP | Person | Driving SEP's strategic growth and expansion within the educational sector. |
| Dr. Omar Sulaiman Alajaji | Chairman of Qimam El Hayat | Person | Leads Qimam El Hayat International School, key figure in the school's partnership with SEP. |