Fintech PR
Neuberger Berman Private Markets, EQT and CPP Investments Form Consortium to Acquire Leading International Schools Organization Nord Anglia Education
- The new majority ownership group will help to strengthen Nord Anglia’s mission of delivering world-class education and cultivating the next generation of global leaders and innovators
- Transaction values Nord Anglia at USD 14.5 billion, underscoring its leadership in the global education sector
- Global institutional investors will diversify Nord Anglia’s shareholder base, bringing long-term support for sustained growth and stability
STOCKHOLM, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Neuberger Berman Private Markets, EQT, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”), together with global institutional investors (collectively the “Consortium”), today announced the signing of definitive share purchase agreements in Nord Anglia Education (“Nord Anglia” or the “Company”) for an enterprise value of USD 14.5 billion. Existing owners EQT and CPP Investments will remain shareholders in the Company through a new fund investment and reinvestment, respectively.
Nord Anglia is a leading international schools organization, operating over 80 schools in 33 countries and educating more than 85,000 students from ages 2 to 18. Its students consistently achieve excellent academic results, with Year 12 graduates frequently accepted into the world’s top 100 universities. Central to Nord Anglia’s educational philosophy is its personalized learning approach, where teaching is tailored to each student’s unique learning style. Learning experiences are further enhanced through Nord Anglia’s exclusive global partnerships with distinguished institutions such as UNICEF, MIT, Juilliard, and IMG Academy, alongside the Company’s proprietary digital learning platforms.
The announced agreement to acquire Nord Anglia further extends EQT’s longstanding relationship with the Company, which began with its initial investment in 2008. In 2017, EQT strengthened its commitment by increasing its stake in the Company and welcoming CPP Investments as a partner. EQT and CPP Investments now continue their support of Nord Anglia, joined by Neuberger Berman, and other global institutional investors. EQT is investing in Nord Anglia through its BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII. CPP Investments will reinvest a portion of its stake in support of the acquisition.
Neuberger Berman, as a new strategic partner, will play an integral role in strengthening the Consortium’s commitment to supporting Nord Anglia’s continued growth through both organic and inorganic strategies. Alongside Neuberger Berman, EQT, and CPP Investments will continue their close collaboration with Nord Anglia to guide the Company into its next phase and enhance its ability to deliver world-class education in key global markets.
“Nord Anglia’s extensive track record and unwavering commitment to supporting over 85,000 students worldwide uniquely positions the company for future growth. We are honored to lead a consortium of investors who share our passion for delivering exceptional educational experiences,” said David Stonberg, Managing Director at Neuberger Berman. “We are excited to partner with the EQT team, whose deep industry expertise and proven collaboration with Nord Anglia’s management enhance this investment,” added Jonathan Shofet, Managing Director at Neuberger Berman. “Together with CPP Investments, we aim to support Nord Anglia’s mission of delivering world-class education.”
Jack Hennessy, Partner within the EQT Private Equity advisory team, said, “EQT has had the privilege of partnering with Nord Anglia since 2008, and we’ve developed a deep connection with this exceptional business. Over the years, we’ve witnessed Nord Anglia grow from six schools to more than 80 which today serve more than 85,000 students across the globe. Alongside this growth, we’re proud to have helped elevate teaching excellence through industry-leading partnerships established under our ownership. With today’s announcement, we are thrilled to continue this journey with Neuberger Berman, CPP Investments, and our global institutional co-investors, and support Nord Anglia’s continued success and innovation in the global education space.”
Caitlin Gubbels, Senior Managing Director & Global Head of Private Equity, CPP Investments, said, “Nord Anglia was CPP Investments’ first direct equity investment in the private education sector, and we are proud to have been a partner, alongside EQT, in its growth globally over the years. Our reinvestment allows us to remain committed to Nord Anglia while delivering an attractive return to the CPP Fund. We are highly confident in the growth potential of the sector and look forward to working with new investors.”
Andrew Fitzmaurice, Chief Executive Officer, Nord Anglia Education, said, “Families choose our schools because we help our students gain the academic outcomes, confidence, and life skills they need to succeed in the future. At the heart of our students’ achievements are our high-quality teachers. Our ability to attract and develop outstanding teachers sees us receive over 60 applications for every teaching vacancy, reflecting the strength of our world-class professional learning program and career pathways. Since day one, EQT and CPP Investments have shared our educational philosophy and with the addition of Neuberger Berman, we are further strengthening this successful partnership. Focused on improving students’ outcomes, we will accelerate our research of new teaching and learning practices, curricula innovation, and the growth and development of our global teaching community.”
Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley are serving as lead financial advisors to Nord Anglia, Lazard is serving as private capital advisor to Nord Anglia, and Deutsche Bank and HSBC are serving as financial advisors to Nord Anglia. Latham & Watkins is acting as legal advisor to Nord Anglia. Debevoise & Plimpton and Ropes & Gray are acting as legal advisors to EQT.
With this transaction, BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII is expected to be 80-90 percent invested (including closed and/or signed investments, announced public offers, if applicable, and less any expected syndication) based on target fund size and subject to customary regulatory approvals.
The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, and may not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or solicitation. Any offer or solicitation in respect of BPEA Private Equity Fund VIII will be made only through a confidential private placement memorandum and related documents which will be furnished to qualified investors on a confidential basis in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution to persons in the United States of America. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold without registration thereunder or pursuant to an available exemption therefrom. Any offering of securities to be made in the United States would have to be made by means of an offering document that would be obtainable from the issuer or its agents and would contain detailed information about the issuer of the securities and its management, as well as financial information. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration.
Contacts:
For Neuberger Berman:
Alex Samuelson, +1 212 476 5392, [email protected]
For EQT:
EQT Press Office, [email protected]
For CPP Investments:
Connie Ling, +852 3959 3476, [email protected]
For Nord Anglia Education:
James Russell, +44 (0) 7770 365437, [email protected]
Edward Simpkins +44 (0)7947 740551, [email protected]
This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com
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TAIPEI, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VIVOTEK (3454-TW), the global leading security solution provider, has once again demonstrated its outstanding commitment to sustainability. Participating for the first time in the 17th Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA), VIVOTEK emerged victorious, earning the Sustainability Report Award for the Information, Communication, and Broadcasting Industry and the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Excellence Award. These recognitions showcase VIVOTEK’s remarkable success in corporate governance, environmental protection, and social responsibility, affirming its dedication to sustainable growth.
Pioneering Sustainability with Dual Recognition
“For over seven years, VIVOTEK has independently published sustainability reports, actively driving and disclosing our internal sustainability initiatives.” said Allen Hsieh, VIVOTEK’s Spokesperson and Director of the Global Marketing Division. “These awards not only recognize our integrity and efforts in presenting operational performance, environmental data, and social impact but also serve as a strong motivation for us to continue advancing on the path of sustainable development.”
Driving Sustainability through AI Innovation
VIVOTEK delivers advanced AI-powered security solutions built on cutting-edge AI and edge computing technologies. Beyond innovation, the company drives green initiatives, reduces its carbon footprint, and fosters a sustainable, supportive workplace.
Committed to social responsibility, VIVOTEK leads the security industry’s sustainability efforts through its ‘Safety Map’ initiative. For four years, employees have formed security teams to enhance safety in neighborhoods, care centers, and schools with on-site assessments and improvement plans.
In 2024, VIVOTEK will expand its efforts to Hualien’s Dacheng Village, where it will help improve local safety environments and support cultural preservation and tourism revitalization. These actions reflect its dedication to sustainability, community well-being, and lasting societal contributions.
Security Sustainability as a Foundation for Social Impact
VIVOTEK proudly received two prestigious honors at the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards, highlighting its dedication to sustainable practices. These accolades inspire the company to deepen its internal efforts and mark the start of an exciting new chapter.
Building on this achievement, VIVOTEK aims to strengthen its mission of becoming the world’s most trusted smart security brand. By aligning with global market needs and fostering collaboration with customers, partners, and employees, VIVOTEK is committed to shaping a sustainable future founded on mutual trust and shared success.
To learn more about VIVOTEK’s sustainability initiatives, please refer to the 2023 Sustainability Report.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vivotek-wins-double-honors-for-its-commitment-to-sustainability-302339223.html
Fintech PR
2024 Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters Themed “Guiyang in Characters” Successfully Concluded
GUIYANG, China, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — To fully implement the spirit of “carrying forward China’s cultural heritage” and “promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture”, the 2024 Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters Themed “Guiyang in Characters”, organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Guiyang Municipal Committee and hosted by www.huanqiu.com, has successfully concluded on Dec.16. The contest drew thousands of teenagers from both China and abroad, who used cultural empowerment and innovative designs of Chinese characters to narrate and promote Guiyang.
At the “Colorful Guizhou • Literary Plateau” Farming and Reading Event, 59 outstanding works from 26 countries, along with 21 representative pieces from various countries and regions, were showcased. According to the organizing committee of the Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters, “This exhibition serves as both a lasting commemoration of the event and a report to all those who care about the inheritance and promotion of Guiyang and Chinese culture.”
In their submissions, the teenagers selected Chinese characters or phrases they believed best represented Guiyang and reimagined them through innovative designs. Outstanding designs incorporated Guiyang’s iconic architecture and cultural landmarks into Chinese characters to present the city’s urban landscape and historical culture. Some works spotlighted Guiyang’s distinctive cuisine, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse local culinary culture. Some other designs drew inspiration from martial arts villages in Guizhou and featured dragon motifs to symbolize the depth and vitality of Guizhou culture.
Saison from Tajikistan was among the participants in this year’s Global Youth Design Contest on Chinese Characters. Speaking about his design of the Chinese characters, he shared that his design sought to merge the beauty of Chinese characters with the charm of Guiyang. “Guiyang is a captivating place, known for its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and diverse ethnic minorities. I tried to incorporate the beauty of Guiyang into my Chinese character design, hoping to convey the city’s charm and the wonders of Chinese characters through my work.”
The contest officially opened for submissions on September 30. In an effort to boost public engagement and participation, a “cheerleading campaign” was organized for shortlisted works from November 22 to 29. Following expert reviews, 80 outstanding works were ultimately selected for public exhibition.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2024-global-youth-design-contest-on-chinese-characters-themed-guiyang-in-characters-successfully-concluded-302339323.html
Fintech PR
Markets Show Resilience Ahead of End-of-Year Options Expirations: Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Report
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, released the latest Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report in collaboration with Block Scholes, highlighting the muted market volatility despite major options expirations on Friday. BTC and ETH’s realized volatility has increased, but short-term options haven’t adjusted to this change. This indicates that while spot prices are fluctuating, the options market is not fully reacting to these shifts, although BTC and ETH volumes have displayed slightly different patterns.
With more than $525 million in BTC and ETH options contracts expiring on Dec 27, 2024’s end-of-year options expiration looks set to be one of the biggest yet, yet expectations for volatility have remained subdued. The report highlights an unusual inversion in ETH’s volatility structure, but BTC has not mirrored the reaction. Additionally, a change in funding rates—sometimes turning negative as spot prices drop—signals a new market phase. Notably, BTC’s volatility structure has been less responsive to changes in spot prices, whereas ETH’s short-term options are exhibiting more noticeable fluctuations.
Key Findings:
BTC Options Expirations:
In the past month, BTC’s realized volatility has been higher than implied volatility on three occasions, each time reaching a relatively calm equilibrium. Open interest in BTC options remains high, contributing to potential increased volatility as we near the end of the year. Around $360 million worth of BTC options (both puts and calls) are set to expire soon, which can affect price movement.
ETH Options: Calls Dominate
Despite a mid-week inversion, ETH’s volatility term structure has flattened, maintaining levels similar to those seen over the past month. In the final week of 2024, calls overwhelmed puts in open interest in ETH options, although market movements and trading activities are more on the put side.
Access the Full Report:
Gain deeper insights and explore the potential impacts on your crypto trading strategies by downloading the full report here: Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Dec 24, 2024)
#Bybit / #BybitResearch
About Bybit
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/markets-show-resilience-ahead-of-end-of-year-options-expirations-bybit-x-block-scholes-crypto-derivatives-report-302339299.html
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