Academic Partnerships Completes Acquisition of Wiley University Services

Rhea-AI Summary

Academic Partnerships (AP) (NYSE: AP) completes acquisition of Wiley University Services, expanding its reach to over 125 colleges and universities in 40 U.S. states and internationally. The combined company aims to support online degree programs and career-connected education programs, providing additional resources, infrastructure, and technology to serve a diverse student population and improve opportunities for university partners and their students.

Market Research Analyst

The acquisition of Wiley University Services by Academic Partnerships (AP) represents a strategic consolidation in the online education industry, which has seen significant growth in the wake of digital transformation trends. This move is poised to enhance AP's service offerings to its university partners, particularly in expanding online degree programs that are in high demand. The focus on critical areas such as nursing, teaching, business, technology and public administration aligns with current workforce needs and may lead to an increase in enrollment, potentially driving revenue growth for the combined entity.

From a market perspective, the combined company's increased scale and resources could provide a competitive advantage. The enhancement of infrastructure and technology to serve a diverse student population, including working adults, is particularly noteworthy as it taps into a demographic that has traditionally been underserved. This demographic is critical for driving long-term growth in the online education sector. Additionally, the improved opportunities across the university partner network may lead to increased market share and enhanced bargaining power with suppliers and partners.

Financial Analyst

The completion of the acquisition is likely to have financial implications for both Academic Partnerships and Wiley (NYSE: WLY). For AP, the integration of Wiley University Services could result in synergies that may lead to cost savings and operational efficiencies. Investors should monitor the financial performance of the combined company for evidence of these synergies materializing. It is also important to consider the acquisition cost and how it was financed, as this could impact AP's financial leverage and cash flow.

For Wiley, divesting Wiley University Services allows the company to streamline its operations and potentially focus on its core competencies. The financial impact on Wiley will depend on the terms of the sale and the company's plans for the proceeds. Investors should evaluate Wiley's post-divestiture strategy and how it plans to reinvest in its remaining business lines or return value to shareholders.

Education Industry Expert

The strategic benefits touted by the acquisition, such as additional resources for high-demand programs and enhanced infrastructure, are indicative of the evolving landscape of higher education. The emphasis on affordable and workforce-relevant online education speaks to a broader trend of addressing the skills gap in the economy. By improving the technology and support services, the combined company is positioning itself to meet the accreditation standards and educational outcomes that are critical for maintaining institutional credibility and attracting students.

Long-term, this acquisition could set a precedent for how online education providers collaborate with traditional institutions, potentially influencing regulatory policies and accreditation processes. The ability to scale and deliver quality education will be key in determining the success of such partnerships and their impact on the higher education market.

The combined company will deliver new strategic benefits to university partners and their students

DALLAS, Jan. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Academic Partnerships (AP), a company that assists primarily regional public universities in expanding access and impact by supporting their online programs, today announced that it has successfully completed its acquisition of Wiley University Services, a line of business previously owned by Wiley (NYSE: WLY). The combined company will support over 125 colleges and universities in 40 U.S. states and internationally.

"AP is in the business of transforming lives through education, and the acquisition of Wiley University Services better enables us to do just that," said Fernando Bleichmar, Chief Executive Officer of AP. "This is an exciting day as we combine our talent, capabilities, and resources to more effectively meet the growing demand for high-quality, affordable online degree programs and ensure our university partners and their students thrive."

AP primarily assists regional public universities with launching and maintaining their online programs. It is committed to expanding access to high-quality, high-return on investment, affordable, and workforce-relevant online education, especially for working and adult students. Wiley University Services works with institutions to deliver career-connected education programs aimed at helping students achieve their goals. With the completion of the acquisition, the combined company will provide universities with a best-in-class partner to support them in delivering programs online so more students can access affordable education, improve their careers, and meet employer and community needs.

The combined company will deliver new strategic benefits to university partners and their students, including:

• Additional resources to support and scale high-demand, affordable online degree programs in critical areas like nursing, teaching, business, technology, and public administration for both regional public and private nonprofit universities;
• Enhanced infrastructure and technology to serve a diverse student population, including working adults, through graduation;
• Improved opportunities across the university partner network; and
• Advanced technology and enhanced support services based on best practices from a combined company.

About Academic Partnerships
Academic Partnerships (AP) assists primarily regional public universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, AP's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. AP brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners. For more information on innovative online learning solutions, please visit www.academicpartnerships.com.

About Wiley
Wiley is a knowledge company and a global leader in research, publishing, and knowledge solutions. Dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge, Wiley serves the world's researchers, learners, innovators, and leaders, helping them achieve their goals and solve the world's most important challenges. For more than two centuries, Wiley has been delivering on its timeless mission to unlock human potential. Visit us at Wiley.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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SOURCE Academic Partnerships

What company completed the acquisition of Wiley University Services?

Academic Partnerships (AP) (NYSE: AP) completed the acquisition of Wiley University Services.

How many colleges and universities will the combined company support?

The combined company will support over 125 colleges and universities in 40 U.S. states and internationally.

What are the strategic benefits the combined company will deliver to university partners and their students?

The combined company will deliver additional resources, infrastructure, and technology to support high-demand, affordable online degree programs and career-connected education programs, improving opportunities for university partners and their students.

What is the goal of Academic Partnerships (AP)?

AP is committed to expanding access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant online education, especially for working and adult students.