Brookfield explores a major investment in private school operator Spring Education as it expands its portfolio
Brookfield Asset Management is in talks to invest approximately US$1bn in Spring Education Group, according to BNN Bloomberg.
Sources familiar with the matter said Brookfield is exploring a structured debt investment in the private school operator, which runs institutions from early childhood to high school, along with an online division.
Spring Education, led by CEO Michael Collins, operates in 19 US states and has a presence in Asia.
The discussions are ongoing, and the deal could face delays or fall apart.
Brookfield declined to comment, while Spring Education has not yet responded.
A potential deal would follow Brookfield’s previous investment in GEMS Education, a Dubai-based private school provider.
The private education sector has attracted significant investment, with Neuberger Berman and other asset managers acquiring a stake in Nord Anglia in October, valuing the international school operator at US$14.5bn, including debt.
Recently, Brookfield Asset Management reportedly raised US$29bn in the fourth quarter, with US$20bn from credit investments.
Managing director Christopher Ballard of Check Capital Management Inc. described the performance as “fabulous.”
“Brookfield Asset Management now manages more than US$1tn,” Ballard said. “They are a global leader in investment in infrastructure and all different aspects of renewable energy across the world.”
Brookfield recently announced plans to invest over US$20bn in AI infrastructure in France over the next five years.
The firm also increased its dividend by one cent to nine US cents per share and reported a fourth-quarter net income of US$432m, translating to 25 US cents per diluted share.
