The education sector has been undergoing significant transformation in recent years, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have emerged as a key strategic lever for growth, consolidation, and survival in a rapidly evolving global landscape. From higher education consolidations to EdTech buyouts and cross-border acquisitions, deal-making in education is shaping how institutions and businesses respond to demographic, economic, and technological pressures.
In higher education, mergers are no longer rare exceptions. Institutions are increasingly viewing M&A not just as a rescue strategy for financially struggling colleges but as a proactive tool to broaden offerings and expand geographic reach. In 2025, notable university mergers, such as the announced combination of Elon University with Queens University of Charlotte and Villanova University with Rosemont College, illustrate this trend. Both mergers involve larger, financially stable universities absorbing smaller ones facing enrollment and fiscal pressures — aligning resources while preserving academic value and student continuity.
Similarly, in the United Kingdom, the proposed merger between the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent signals a broader consolidation trend in higher education, aimed at creating larger multi-campus institutions capable of competing internationally and streamlining governance structures.
Beyond universities, private and vocational education assets are attracting strategic capital. A number of transactions reported in early 2025 reflect diversifying investor interest, particularly in digital and skills-focused education services. Examples include Canadian career college programmes gaining private equity backing and the acquisition of California-based streaming education content developer by a larger digital learning provider — positioning platforms for broader curriculum reach and deeper engagement with students.
The EdTech segment, once the hottest corner of education investment during the pandemic era, is also experiencing consolidation through strategic acquisitions. Deals like the acquisition of a UK postgraduate online learning provider by a Dutch counterpart show cross-border interest in scalable educational platforms. Earlier major transactions like the $5.6 billion acquisition of PowerSchool by Bain Capital highlight how large private-equity deals continue to define the landscape, particularly around software solutions that support K-12 operations and analytics.
However, the broader investment picture remains mixed. Investment volumes in education services have softened compared with previous years, reflecting tighter valuations and cautious investor sentiment in a higher interest-rate environment. Data shows private equity investments in education services fell sharply in 2023, and early 2025 deal counts in some markets have dipped below past levels — evidence that deal activity, while strategically important, is not immune to macroeconomic headwinds.
Despite this, certain themes are clear: digital transformation, scaling of online and adaptive learning platforms, and strategic consolidation are driving activity. Whether through large cross-border acquisitions or institution-to-institution mergers, stakeholders are increasingly aligning to respond to enrollment pressures, demand for technology-enabled education, and the imperative to stay competitive in a global marketplace.
As education evolves, so too will the role of M&A in shaping its future — providing pathways for innovation, sustainability, and expanded opportunities for learners worldwide.