M&A WATCH- EAEF makes its first investment in Egypt’s education sector: Our friends at the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund (EAEF) have acquired a significant minority stake in education management company Advanced Education for the Establishment, Management, and Ownership of Educational Facilities, according to a press release (pdf). The company, which manages and operates blended learning and tech-focused private school platform Dr. Nermien Ismail Language Schools (NIS), currently operates nine schools in Egypt. The transaction is structured primarily as a capital increase, with the “growth capital will be used to fund the company’s expansion of its schools’ footprint across Egypt.” Final close on the transaction is expected before the end of 2Q2019. “This investment marks EAEF’s first investment in Egypt’s education sector and demonstrates EAEF’s strong commitment to supporting the Egyptian private sector as well as promoting high quality education,” EAEF Chairman James Harmon said.

Advisors: Al Tamimi Law Firm acted as legal advisor to EAEF. Matouk Bassiouny & Hennawy was sell-side legal advisor, while Intelligent Way Capital Partners acted as sell-side financial advisor.