Cathay, BPI-backed AD Education bolts on Accademia Italiana

Following the deal, Accademia Italiana founder and president Vincenzo Giubba will stay on with the business to support AD Education's management team in the expansion phase of the company.

AD Education intends to consolidate Accademia Italiana's market position across Italy and further expand the offering of its schools located in Florence and Rome.

Cathay Capital and BPI France invested in AD Education in October 2016 by acquiring a minority stake, while Kevin Guenegan, son of the founders, retained the majority.

Established in 1990 and based in Paris, AD Education manages a network of higher education institutions. The group counts 11,000 students across 10 universities and 32 campuses (26 in France, four in Italy and two in Spain). It generates a turnover of around €80m.

Company
Founded in 1984 and based in Florence and Rome, Accademia Italiana Arte Moda e Design is a university dedicated to fashion, and graphic, interior and jewellery design, as well as photography and new media. It offers three-year bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and shorter courses in a variety of subjects.

People
Accademia Italiana Arte Moda e Design – Vincenzo Giubba (founder, president).
AD Education – Kevin Guenegan (CEO).

Advisers
Vendor – Equity Factory (corporate finance).
Acquirer – BDO (financial due diligence); Gowling WLG (legal); Gianni Origoni Grippo Cappelli & Partners (legal).

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