Target Information

School of Arts is a leading private higher education group specializing in artistic and creative professions. Currently, the group encompasses eight schools distributed across 15 campuses in France and Belgium, offering diploma programs to approximately 1,400 students annually. These programs primarily consist of three-year Bachelor’s degrees and two-year Master’s degrees, preparing students for careers in live performance, event management, and visual arts.

Established through a series of acquisitions since 2018, School of Arts was acquired by Finoli in November 2022. Finoli, a French industrial group led by Grégory Declercq and Pierre Juhen, has been instrumental in structuring School of Arts for rapid development. The group has a dedicated management team, including CEO Sarah Princen and President Grégory Declercq, and employs around 50 staff members.

Industry Overview

The private higher education sector in France has been undergoing significant transformation, with increasing demand for specialized education that meets the evolving needs of the creative industries. As these sectors gain prominence, investors and educational institutions alike are recognizing the importance of providing high-quality training to equip students for competitive job markets.

According to recent reports, the European creative sector is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by innovative digital technologies and an upsurge in cultural production. This growth presents lucrative opportunities for educational institutions that can adapt their offerings to align with industry standards and trends.

In Belgium, the landscape for higher education is similarly vibrant, with a strong emphasis on cultivating artistic talent and fostering creativity in educational programs. The collaborative efforts between institutions and the creative industry continue to enhance employment prospects for graduates, creating a robust framework for the development of artistic skills.

With the cultural industries becoming one of the most dynamic sectors in Europe, there is a growing necessity for institutions like School of Arts to contribute meaningfully to the preparation of students, ensuring that the curriculum is not only comprehensive but also aligned with current market demands.

Rationale Behind the Deal

The majority investment by Seven2, alongside Finoli, aims to enable School of Arts to double its size in the near future. This growth will be pursued through both organic expansion and targeted acquisitions within France and across Europe, establishing the group as the leading platform for private higher education in artistic and creative professions.

Seven2 plans to accelerate the group's development by enhancing educational structures, recruiting top-tier talent, and significantly investing in facilities and technologies that span disciplines such as musical theater, contemporary music, dance, visual arts, design, and related technical and tertiary professions in the performing arts.

Investor Information

Seven2, formerly known as Apax Partners, is an investment group focusing on developing high-growth businesses in strategic sectors. With a mandate to identify companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth, Seven2 has actively supported the nurturing of successful educational models aiming to address current and anticipated market needs.

The firm's approach combines financial acumen with deep industry knowledge, positioning them well to support transformations within the education sector. Their commitment to investing in quality education aligns with global trends towards enhancing employability and student outcomes in fast-evolving industries.

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The investment in School of Arts by Seven2 is promising, particularly given the growing demand for trained professionals in the creative sector. The focus on organic and acquisitive growth should provide a solid foundation for School of Arts to emerge as a leader in private higher education focused on arts and creativity.

Moreover, the strategic vision of expanding and enhancing educational offerings will likely meet the needs of both students and the industry. The commitment to quality and professionalism highlights the group's dedication to improving employability rates among graduates, which is crucial in today's competitive job market.

In summary, Seven2's involvement not only brings necessary financial resources but also integrates expertise critical to navigating the complexities of the educational landscape. Their previous successes indicate a strong likelihood of similar outcomes for this investment.

Overall, this deal demonstrates a strategic alignment between investor objectives and market needs, suggesting that School of Arts is well-positioned for future success.

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