WWE’s parent company-to-be Endeavor Group Holdings has sold IMG Academy, a Florida-based sports education institution, to Hong Kong-based private equity firm BPEA EQT for $1.25 billion in an all-cash deal.
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023, and as part of the deal, IMG Academy has partnered with Nord Anglia Education, which operates 82 boarding schools across 33 countries, including some in Asia.
Nord Anglia Education will have access to IMG’s sports curriculum and the current executive team will stay on in their roles after the sale is complete.
Endeavor acquired IMG in 2014, inclusive of IMG Academy, for $2.3 billion.
President and COO of Endeavor, Mark Shapiro said:
“IMG Academy is in a category of one for its combination of elite athletics and academics, as well as its legacy of developing superstar competitors in the game of life. We’re proud to have been stewards of this institution, driving growth and innovation, as well as expanding its facilities and offerings. IMG Academy is in great hands for its next chapter with BPEA EQT.”
Jack Hennessy, partner and co-head of education within BPEA EQT’s advisory team, noted,
“We are deeply impressed by IMG Academy’s unique offering and its world-class sports and well-being curriculum. IMG Academy’s brand is globally recognized and we see compelling opportunities in supporting its international expansion, including Asia, and broadening its educational offering, leveraging BPEA EQT’s insights from having led Nord Anglia Education’s growth in the region.”
It was announced earlier this month that WWE has been acquired by the Endeavor Group, and the billion-dollar wrestling company will now be merged with the UFC to form a new publicly traded entity that will trade under the symbol TKO with a market valuation of $21 billion.
