G+T has advised Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) as sponsor of Up Education Group, New Zealand’s largest private education provider, on its NZ$540m financing.
Up Education Group is a leading education provider delivering vocational, pathway and higher education with over 30 campuses across New Zealand and Australia.
G+T acted as lead legal counsel for PEP and Up Education Group. The deal included a refinancing of Up Education’s existing senior debt facilities, as well as additional funding to complete the acquisition of two leading Australian vocational and higher education colleges. The facility commitments were provided by a syndicate of local and international lenders.
The G+T team was led by Partner and Head of Banking + Projects, John Schembri and Banking Partner Spiro Papadolias. John and Spiro were supported by a team of lawyers comprising of Corrie Eames, Sara Mohabbati and Charlie Wheatley.
John and Spiro commented "We are pleased to have advised our long-time client Pacific Equity Partners on this transformational financing. With the increased demand for investment in the education sector, Up Education’s financing highlights its commitment to expand its education services both domestically and abroad, and to solidify its offering as a global leader of educational services.”
G+T's Banking + Projects team is recognised in the leading legal directories, including most recently being ranked at Band 1 for Banking and Finance – Acquisition Finance and Corporate Finance by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2022. G+T has significant experience advising leading Australian and international financial institutions, investment banks, corporations and private equity funds. G+T act for lenders, borrowers, sponsors and consortia on a range of issues from high-value corporate transactions and major bespoke financings to complex restructuring projects.