05 Jun Funds advised by Apax Partners and OMERS Capital Partners complete acquisition of Thomson Learning
Excerpt of press release by Apax Partners
Funds advised by Apax Partners announced today that, together with OMERS Capital Partners, they have completed the previously announced acquisition of the higher education, careers and library reference assets of Thomson Learning and Nelson Canada from The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC). The transaction had a combined total value of approximately $7.75 billion.
The higher education, careers and library reference assets include such well-known brands and businesses as: Wadsworth, Delmar Learning, Gale, Heinle, Brooks/Cole and South-Western. Nelson Canada, a leading provider of books and online resources for the educational market in Canada, is now majority-owned by OMERS.
Jackie Reses, Partner at Apax Partners, said: “We look forward to working in close partnership with the company’s management team, led by Ron Dunn and Dave Shaffer, as they build upon the already strong franchises represented by the Thomson Learning properties.”
Christian Stahl, Partner at Apax Partners, continued: “The Thomson Learning properties historically have delivered stable and predictable growth, and they are underpinned by healthy market dynamics. We will work with management to capture the enormous potential that we believe exists as the businesses continue to expand internationally, and play an important role in enabling the evolution to digital content distribution in post-secondary education.”
Paul Renaud, President & CEO at OMERS Capital Partners, said: “We are pleased to have completed the acquisition of the Thomson Learning properties along with Apax Partners, and look forward to working closely with Greg Pilon, the President & CEO of Thomson Nelson Canada, and his team, to continue the growth and financial success of the business.”
Evercore Partners Incorporated and Atlas Advisors served as financial advisors to Apax Partners and OMERS Capital Partners on the acquisition. Acquisition finance was provided by JPMorgan, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Citigroup, UBS and The Royal Bank of Canada.
Atlas Advisors acted as financial advisor to both Apax Partners and OMERS in connection with this transaction.
Atlas Advisors is the marketing name for Atlas Advisors, LLC and Atlas Strategic Advisors, LLC. Atlas Strategic Advisors, LLC provides financial advisory services in connection with mergers, acquisitions and other similar transactions. Atlas Strategic Advisors, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlas Advisors, LLC and a member of the FINRA.
None of the information contained in this release constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by Atlas Strategic Advisors, LLC or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or provide any investment advice or service.