Riverside Buys Wiz Korea

Private Equity Hub:

The Riverside Company has received nothing but gold stars on its latest report card after acquiring Wiz Korea, its first Korean acquisition and second platform company in Asia. Riverside’s first Asian acquisition was the January 2008 purchase of Shinsouki, the largest parking lot operator in Niigata City, Japan. With the acquisition of Wiz Korea, Riverside further strengthens its experience in two industry specialties franchising and education.

Focusing on students from two to seven years of age, Wiz Korea operates the largest learning-oriented preschool education franchise in Korea with 53 franchises and three company-owned locations, including 52 within Korea and four located internationally. The organization’s headquarters in Bundang, Korea on the perimeter of Seoul contains a company-owned school and also serves as the site for marketing and training franchisees.

“Riverside is excited to partner with Wiz Korea, which we see as a perfect match given Riverside’s investment expertise in franchising as well as education and training,” said Stuart Baxter, Riverside Managing Partner. “Riverside has acquired four franchising firms and 10 education and training firms. These are two industry segments where Riverside has developed institutional knowledge that supports our global portfolios.”

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