The Carlyle Group to Acquire Universidad Latinoamericana in Mexico; Carlyle Sees Continued Investment Opportunities in Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico – Global private equity firm The Carlyle Group announced today that it will acquire a majority participation in Universidad Latinoamericana, S.C. (ULA) from existing shareholders. ULA, a private university founded in 1975, has two campuses in Mexico City and one in Cuernavaca, Morelos. ULA offers programs ranging from high school to 12 undergraduate degrees, 6 masters degrees and one Ph.D. Several of the current shareholders of ULA will retain a significant participation in the university. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to normal regulatory approvals and is expected to close by year-end.

Luis Téllez, Co-head and Managing Director of Carlyle’s Mexico team, said, "Quality education is key to Mexico’s continued development. Given budgetary restrictions and Mexican demographics, college and university level education provided by the public sector will have to be complemented more and more by private institutions such as Universidad Latinoamericana. Our investment in Universidad Latinoamericana demonstrates Carlyle’s confidence in the Mexican economy."

Mr. Enrique Jiménez, who represents the group of current owners of ULA that will partner with Carlyle, said, "In recent months I have had the opportunity to interact with Carlyle in Mexico and Washington, DC, and I am pleased with the group’s decision to join ULA after their careful review. I believe that Carlyle’s global reach and financial support will allow ULA to achieve accelerated growth."

Joaquin Avila, Co-head and Managing Director of Carlyle’s Mexico team, said, "With its 30-year track record, the ULA has reached solid recognition in areas such as dentistry, communications and psychology. This provides an attractive platform for expansion. Also this investment confirms Carlyle’s ability to participate not only in global and large transactions, such as Loews-Cinemex, but also in locally focused opportunities."

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