Swedish private equity firm EQT is exploring the potential sale of its two English language education businesses in Vietnam, ILA Vietnam and Vietnam-USA Society English Centers (VUS). The combined valuation for these assets could reach about $500 million, according to reports citing individuals familiar with the matter. EQT is working with a financial adviser on this potential divestment, although discussions are still in their early stages and may not ultimately lead to a transaction. EQT has declined to comment on these reports, while ILA and VUS have not yet responded to requests for comment.
EQT's involvement with these companies stems from different acquisitions. It has owned ILA Vietnam since 2017, having invested through its EQT Mid Market Asia III fund. VUS, on the other hand, was initially acquired by Baring Private Equity Asia in 2019. EQT subsequently gained control of VUS when it acquired BPEA in 2022, integrating the Asian private equity platform into its broader business as EQT Private Capital Asia.
This potential sale aligns with EQT's recent activities in the education sector and aims to realize value from its investments in Vietnam's private education market, which continues to attract significant investor interest. EQT, headquartered in Stockholm, manages $333 billion in assets as of the second quarter. The firm also led a consortium in March 2025 that completed a record $14.5 billion acquisition of international schools operator Nord Anglia Education, further solidifying its presence in the education sector.
