Leeds Equity Partners, LLC, the New York-based private equity firm focused exclusively on investing in the Knowledge Industries, announced today that it has invested in Fusion Education Group ("Fusion" or the "Company"). Fusion operates 43 schools in 8 states and Washington, DC through a personalized education model and today educates more than 4,000 students in grades 6 through 12. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The first Fusion Academy opened in 1989 in Solana Beach, California with a groundbreaking personalized educational model. Classes at Fusion are delivered by one teacher to one student through mastery-based learning, which enables each session to be attuned to that student's specific learning style and speed of content absorption.
The Fusion approach to learning is effective for all students, however, it is used most frequently by students who have not achieved their full potential at their prior schools due to, among other factors, challenges with whole group instruction stemming from anxiety, depression, ADHD or different learning styles. The Company's schools also serve students with non-traditional daily schedules, such as elite athletes and entertainers. Fusion's schools focus on creating a supportive campus environment where every student can flourish - emotionally, socially and academically.
Fusion is led by President and CEO Peter Ruppert, who has more than two decades of experience leading school enterprises and who is supported by a deep, world-class management team. The entire management team will remain intact following the transaction.
Carter Harned, Managing Director of Leeds Equity Partners, said, "Fusion has pioneered a unique and highly effective educational model that is only now becoming available to families and their children as the Company opens more and more schools across the country. We are strong believers in the efficacy of Fusion's offering as well as its ability to meet the vast underserved need for personalized education. We look forward to supporting Pete and his team as the Company enters its next stage of growth."
"Leeds Equity has unmatched sector experience, an excellent track record and a far-reaching network that will greatly benefit Fusion as we continue to pursue our vision of building the leading national network of private schools that deliver best-in-class education through our one student-one teacher approach. We look forward to a productive partnership that will benefit our students, their families, our educators and staff," said Peter Ruppert, CEO of Fusion.
Scott VanHoy, Managing Director of Leeds Equity Partners said, "We are excited to partner with Pete and the fantastic management team he has assembled. The team has been together for nearly a decade and has had tremendous results helping students succeed. We highly value the team's unwavering focus on quality and look forward to delivering the Fusion experience to a growing number of students and their families."
Leeds Equity invested out of Leeds Equity Partners VI, LP. Fusion is the third platform company in that fund's portfolio.
Goodwin Procter served as legal counsel to Leeds Equity Partners. William Blair served as advisor and K&L Gates served as legal counsel for Fusion.
About Fusion Education Group:
Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, Fusion operates revolutionary private middle and high schools that offer individualized education. Each classroom has one student and one teacher, allowing a personalized approach to each student's unique emotional and academic needs. Fusion operates 43 campuses in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia and Washington DC.
For additional information on Fusion, see https://www.fusionacademy.com/
About Leeds Equity Partners:
Leeds Equity Partners, LLC, is a New York-based private equity firm focused exclusively on investing in the education, training and information services industries (the "Knowledge Industries"). The firm was founded by Jeffrey T. Leeds and Robert A. Bernstein in 1993 and has raised and managed more than $1.5 billion of capital across six funds. The Board of Advisors of Leeds Equity Partners is chaired by Timothy P. Shriver, who is also Chairman of the Board of the Special Olympics.