April 25, 2018— University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) has announced that parent company Laureate Education, Inc. signed an agreement with Altas Partners, a long-term oriented investment firm, to acquire the university. The change in ownership is contingent upon the receipt of all necessary regulatory and accreditation approvals.
“We have developed a strategic plan that builds on our strong foundation and transitions us into a leading health sciences university. The philosophy at Altas upholds our vision and will continue to support our academic excellence and exciting trajectory,” said Vivian Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer of USAHS. “We believe that the university will continue to thrive and by leveraging Altas Partners’ capabilities, it will continue to have a transformational impact on health sciences education in the nation.”
USAHS President Dr. Divina Grossman said “This transition will not impact our current programs or operations and we remain focused on serving our students and providing the same high quality educational experience. There are a number of innovative initiatives underway at the university, including the new Miami campus, the build-out of our Centers for Innovative Clinical Practice, and the expansion of our Masters in nursing and speech language pathology programs, and those will continue to move forward.”
USAHS is one of the nation’s leading universities offering graduate health sciences degrees, primarily in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS educates students through its network of campuses in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Miami, Florida; and through its online programs. USAHS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Damon Conway, a Principal at Altas Partners, said, “USAHS is a world-class institution that delivers exceptional student outcomes. We are excited to be partnering with the management team to build upon its tremendous success and support its plans for the future.”
Commenting on the transaction, Eilif Serck-Hanssen, Chief Executive Officer of Laureate, said, “I am proud of the transformation and growth that USAHS has accomplished during its years in the Laureate International Universities network. It has grown from an institution focused on physical and occupational therapy into the nation’s leading graduate health sciences university. I am confident that with the stewardship and support of Altas Partners, USAHS will continue to advance its mission of developing practice-ready health care professionals.”
About University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, education and health science, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS has locations in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Miami, Florida. USAHS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. For more information: www.usa.edu.
About Altas Partners
Altas Partners is an investment firm with a long-term orientation focused on acquiring significant interests in high-quality enterprises in partnership with outstanding management teams. Key elements of its approach include prudent capital structures, active ownership through strategic and operational support and an emphasis on sustainable value creation. Altas invests on behalf of endowments, foundations, public pension funds and other institutional investors. For more information: www.altaspartners.com
About Laureate Education, Inc.
Laureate Education, Inc. is the largest global network of degree-granting higher education institutions, with more than one million students enrolled at over 60 institutions in more than 20 countries at campuses and online. Laureate offers high-quality, undergraduate, graduate and specialized degree programs in a wide range of academic disciplines that provide attractive employment prospects. Laureate believes that when our students succeed, countries prosper and societies benefit. For more information: www.laureate.net
MEDIA CONTACTS:
| University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Joe Cockrell jcockrell@usa.edu (760) 410-5306 | |
| Altas Partners Sard Verbinnen & Co. Mike DeGraff / Julie Rudnick (312) 895-4700 / (212) 687-8080 | |
| Laureate Education, Inc. Esther Benjamin Esther.Benjamin@laureate.net U.S.: +1 (443) 301 3091 | Ruder Finn Maryam Ayromlou ayromloum@ruderfinn.com U.S.: +1 (703) 474 5685 |
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