BDA advises Intermediate Capital Group on sale of majority stake in TIME Education to Nautic Investment

BDA Partners is pleased to announce that its client, Intermediate Capital Group, has sold a majority stake in TIME Education to Nautic Investment, a Seoul-based private equity firm.

BDA acted as the exclusive financial advisor to ICG. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

TIME Education is a leading Korean private education provider, established in 2007 through the merger of several major private academies located in Seoul. Its flagship learning center brand ‘Mirae Tamgu’ serves K–12 students across key education districts within Metropolitan Seoul and Busan. The critical thinking mathematics brand ‘SOMA’ serves pre-K to elementary school students, and has established a nationwide presence through both directly operated and franchise centers.

Howard Lee, Partner and Head of BDA Partners, Seoul, said “We’re delighted to have advised ICG on the successful divestment of its majority stake in TIME Education. Private education in Korea has faced growing investor scrutiny because of demographic headwinds and the decline in school-age population, but this transaction demonstrates that quality assets with strong brand equity can still attract meaningful investor interest. The deal highlights BDA’s ability to navigate sector challenges and secure optimal outcomes for our clients.”

Karen Cheung, Partner and Head of Consumer and Retail, BDA, said “We’re proud to have advised ICG on this milestone transaction in Korea’s education sector. Across Asia, investor sentiment is selective but constructive. Resilient demand and valuations drive continued sponsor and strategic interest in K–12 and enrichment platforms. This transaction shows BDA’s education expertise, and ability to deliver strong outcomes even in the face of demographic headwinds.”