Baker McKenzie: ISP acquires The English College in Dubai 

Global law firm, Baker McKenzie acted as legal counsel to International Schools Partnership (“ISP”), a distinguished international consortium of private schools, in its acquisition of The English College. This independent British curriculum day school, located in Dubai, aligns with ISP’s commitment to providing top-tier education. 

As an institution dedicated to delivering high-quality education, ISP continues its ambitious journey to expand its educational footprint in the UAE and the broader region. The acquisition of The English College represents the third addition to ISP’s portfolio of schools in the UAE and underscores its strategic growth plan. 

ISP’s global network of schools spread across the globe, with a focus on offering international learning opportunities to students aged 2-18 years old.  

Marcos Spanos, Corporate and M&A Partner at Baker McKenzie, commented: “We are glad to have been involved in yet another successful transaction in the education space for our longstanding client ISP. This maturing sector remains of interest to investors and providers alike, with the UAE aiming to continue improving the quality of its education system as a key focus area. This successful acquisition will assist ISP on further expanding into the Middle East with the goal of building a leading network of schools across the GCC.” 

Baker McKenzie advised ISP on all aspects of the transaction with a cross-practice team led by Corporate partner Marcos Spanos and composed of partners Keri Watkins (Real Estate and Hospitality) and Joanna Matthews–Taylor (Employment), associates Yousef Bugaighis (Corporate), Aqsa Sadiq–Khan (Employment), Neil Williams (Corporate), Neda Bahador (Corporate), Mateusz Resztak (Real Estate), and Jana Al–Afoo (Real Estate). 

This deal is the latest addition to Baker McKenzie’s long list of transactions in the education sector. Notably, in September 2022, Marcos advised ISP on its acquisition of a stake in two Star International Schools in the UAE. Furthermore, in May 2022, the firm also provided counsel to Taaleem Holdings’ (“Taaleem”) for its acquisition of Jebel Ali School (“JAS”).