HSF helps private equity invest in education-technology company

The firm has also advised on the company’s fund raisings and previous acquisitions

HSF helps private equity invest in education-technology company

Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has helped an investment firm acquire stake in an education company.

The leading firm advised Potentia Capital on its acquisition of a majority interest in Education Horizons Group. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Education Horizons, an Australian education-technology company, was formed three years ago by a partnership between Synergetic Management Systems and SEQTA Software, which are longstanding education-software companies.

Partner Damien Hazard headed the HSF team, which included senior associate Tom Hoare and solicitor Jack McDonell.

Hazard said that HSF is grateful for the opportunity to act for Potentia Capital on the acquisition. He said the firm looks forward to seeing Education Horizons expand and prosper under the investor’s ownership.

HSF has been a longstanding adviser of Education Horizons and its portfolio company, Ascender HCM. It advised Potentia Capital on the establishment of Potentia Capital Fund I this year, which has raised $180m on first close. It also advised Ascender HCM on its acquisition of PeopleStreme in 2018 and NGA Human Resources in 2017.

Potentia Capital was also advised by Genesis Advisory and EY. Blackpeak and DLA Piper advised Education Horizons.