Acquisition will expand access to
universities' high-quality, high-return on investment, affordable,
and workforce-relevant online education for students
DALLAS, Nov. 14,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Academic Partnerships ("AP"), a
company that assists primarily regional public universities in
expanding access and impact by supporting their online programs,
announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to
acquire Wiley University Services, a line of business owned by
Wiley (NYSE: WLY). The combined company will support over 125
colleges and universities in 40 U.S. states and
internationally.
"Across the globe, there is growing demand for high-quality,
affordable online degree programs in workforce-relevant fields,"
said Fernando Bleichmar, Chief
Executive Officer of AP. "Bringing together AP and Wiley University
Services will better enable the combined company to help
universities meet students where they are with high-quality, timely
online education in our rapidly changing world. The combined
company will have the resources and expertise to provide
best-in-class services to our university partners and their
students from diverse backgrounds, including working adults and
professionals."
AP primarily assists regional public universities with launching
and maintaining their online programs. It is committed to expanding
access to high-quality, high-return on investment, affordable, and
workforce-relevant online education, especially for working and
adult students. Wiley University Services works with
institutions to deliver career-connected education programs aimed
at helping students achieve their goals. Following the closing of
the transaction, the combined company will provide universities
with a best-in-class partner to support them in delivering programs
online so more students can access affordable education, improve
their careers, and meet employer and community needs.
The combined company will deliver new strategic benefits to
university partners and their students, including:
- Additional resources to support and scale high-demand,
affordable online degree programs in critical areas like nursing,
teaching, business, technology, and public administration for both
regional public and private nonprofit universities;
- Enhanced infrastructure and technology to serve a diverse
student population, including working adults, through
graduation;
- Improved opportunities across the university partner network;
and
- Advanced technology and enhanced support services based on best
practices from a combined company.
"Wiley University Services' new home with AP will provide the
resources to best serve its talented employees and institutional
clients," said Wiley Interim CEO Matthew
Kissner. "This agreement also marks an important step
forward in our transition to a simpler, more focused Wiley as we
leverage our unique competitive advantages and strong market
opportunities in Research and Learning."
The transaction is expected to close by early 2024, subject to
regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of customary closing
conditions, including obtaining clearance under the
Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.
Winston & Strawn is serving as legal advisor to Academic
Partnerships. Centerview Partners LLC is serving as financial
advisor to Wiley, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as legal
advisor.
About Academic Partnerships
Academic Partnerships (AP) assists primarily regional public
universities in increasing their access and impact by making their
academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007,
AP's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and
workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult
students. AP brings single-minded dedication to student success, an
integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our
collaboration with university partners. For more information on
innovative online learning solutions, please visit
www.academicpartnerships.com.
About Wiley
Wiley is a knowledge company and a global leader in research,
publishing, and knowledge solutions. Dedicated to the creation and
application of knowledge, Wiley serves the world's researchers,
learners, innovators, and leaders, helping them achieve their goals
and solve the world's most important challenges. For more than two
centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to
unlock human potential. Visit us at Wiley.com. Follow us on
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Contacts
Media:
Katelynn
Dugan
Katelynn.Dugan@academicpartnerships.com
Andrea Sherman
asherman@wiley.com
Wiley Investors:
Brian
Campbell
brian.campbell@wiley.com
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/academic-partnerships-announces-acquisition-of-wiley-university-services-301986958.html
SOURCE Academic Partnerships