IEF2I Education has completed a new buy-out led by its founder in partnership with Andera Acto. The transaction was structured as a sponsorless deal, allowing the founder to significantly strengthen her majority control. This strategic shift follows a period of political uncertainty in France regarding apprenticeship subsidies, leading the group to favor a flexible equity solution over a full trade sale. Historical minority shareholders MBO+ and Naxicap Partners have partially exited but reinvested to maintain a minority stake. The financing package, totaling approximately 20 million euros, is predominantly composed of non-dilutive mezzanine instruments with a smaller equity component. The deal is further supported by a senior bank debt arranged by Caisse d’Épargne, with a leverage ratio maintained below three times EBITDA. The new capital will be used to fuel the group’s buy-and-build strategy to expand its range of educational programs and geographic footprint.

Founded in 1998, IEF2I Education is a leading French vocational training network based in the Île-de-France region. The group operates six campuses through three specialized entities: Institut F2I, Digital School of Paris, and Cogefi. Its business model focuses on delivering professional degree programs ranging from Bachelor's to Master's levels (Bac to Bac+5) in high-demand fields such as digital technology, IT, and business management. Training approximately 4,000 students annually, the group relies heavily on an apprenticeship-led model, providing a bridge between academic learning and corporate workforce needs. Its value proposition is centered on career-oriented education with a strong track record in student employability within the Paris metropolitan area's tech and business ecosystems.