Cinven, the international private equity firm, announced that it will acquire a majority stake in Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio Group (UAX), a leading private higher education platform in Spain, from CVC Funds. The deal is being made in partnership with founder Jesús Núñez and Mubadala Investment Company, with Núñez and the management team reinvesting alongside Cinven. The financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1993 in Madrid, UAX has become one of Spain’s premier private universities, known for its academic excellence, innovation, and career-oriented education. The university offers a broad portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational programs across disciplines such as health sciences, engineering, business, and the arts—both in-person and online.
Since CVC’s investment in 2019, UAX has undergone a significant transformation—investing €350 million in new campuses in Madrid and Málaga, expanding lifelong learning programs, and forming partnerships with Rafa Nadal and LaLiga. Student enrollment has grown from 8,000 to 35,000, representing a 23% compound annual growth rate.
Cinven plans to support UAX’s next phase of expansion both within Spain and globally by building on its strong market position, brand recognition in the health sciences, and growing international footprint. The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals.
KEY QUOTE:
“UAX is committed to delivering a world-class educational experience that prioritises student outcomes, satisfaction, and engagement. We are thankful for CVC’s support in transforming UAX into a professionalised educational platform. With Cinven’s backing, we look forward to accelerating our shared ambitions and strengthening UAX’s position as a leading university in Spain and internationally.”
Jesús Núñez, Founder, UAX
