2010-02-03 Berkery Noyes Releases 2009 Education Industry M&A Trends Report

Berkery Noyes has published its Education Industry M&A Trends Report 2009, which compiles statistical information on mergers and acquisitions across the PreK-12, Postsecondary, and Corporate and Professional sectors.

“Not surprisingly, the volume and value of transactions in the industry declined relative to 2008,” notes Chris Curran, Managing Director. “However, the second half of 2009 showed promise of stronger M&A markets moving into 2010, as aggregate value increased three-fold, from approximately $1 billion in the first half of 2009 to approximately $3 billion during the second half. Seven of the 10 largest deals were announced in August or later, indicating positive signs regarding the debt market’s appetite for quality education deals.”

Moreover, the thawing of the IPO market saw several education companies enter the public markets in 2009, including the first K-12-focused business — Archipelago Learning — in several years. Finally, Berkery Noyes’ extensive conversations with company executives, business owners, and investors indicate an eagerness to get into the education M&A market in 2010 as the challenges of late 2008 and early 2009 recede.