For Laureate International Universities, a leading international network of higher education, Australia is an integral location for their growth plans. In fact, with a network of over 75 institutions, Laureate had opened Australia’s first private university in 20 years with Torrens University in South Australia. 

"KPMG provided high value added services to Laureate including Corporate Finance, M&A Due Diligence and Integration and Tax services. We hope to be a repeat client as we continue to grow in Australia."

John Vermaaten
CFO, Laureate Education, Asia

To further capitalise on local opportunities, Laureate acquired 20 percent of Think Education Group (THINK) in August 2012 with an option to purchase the remainder at a later date. Since that initial purchase, THINK (with the support of Laureate) went through a period of re-investment and change management which ultimately delivered material growth in business performance.

In light of the positive performance, Laureate reconfirmed that THINK was the right platform to achieve growth in Australia, and subsequently acquired the remaining 80 percent, to supplement its existing local network established by Torrens University.

Throughout the entire process, KPMG helped Laureate through timeline-driven and client-focussed due-diligence combined with tax and acquisition funding advice; while making sure people were 'on the ground' where and when they were needed.

This enabled Laureate to complete the full purchase of THINK before the end of 2013, starting the new year with clarity and were ready to improve and introduce new verticals (what to study) into the Australian education system.