Cherry Tree Advises Ancora Education on its Sale to Lindenwood University

Lindenwood Education System, the non-profit parent entity of Lindenwood University and Dorsey College, has completed its successful acquisition of Ancora Education, an industry leader in career and technical training and degree programs since 2013. Lindenwood Education System is now the parent organization of Ancora Education, Dorsey College, and Lindenwood University.

Under Lindenwood Education System, Ancora Education will operate as a separate and distinct educational institution and operating entity from Lindenwood University, and will maintain its own name, accreditations, and academic programming.

“Lindenwood Education System is proud to make this acquisition and expand our portfolio to encompass traditional academic programs and practical, technical training,” said Dr. John R. Porter, President and CEO of Lindenwood Education System. “We are focused on market differentiation, and the acquisition of Ancora allows LES to be a comprehensive system within the higher education ecosystem.”

Ancora Education maintains a network of career and technical colleges nationwide, including Ancora Academy, Miller-Motte College, Berks Technical Institute and other schools, with training programs backed by years of experience and industry expertise. They also partner with schools across the country to leverage additional facilities, equipment, instructors and technical expertise.

Lindenwood Education System continues its commitment to build a network of schools with complementary educational programs that can provide life-long education leading to career advancement to a variety of learners. “I want to commend the institutions that are coming together and executing on another very complex transaction utilizing the time, attention, and resources from each team,” said Mark Falkowski, Chief Legal Officer of Lindenwood Education System, who leads LES’ acquisition strategy and work. “This represents the second successful higher education institutional acquisition for LES, and we look forward to the continued success of the institutions within LES and future additions to the System.”

Bill Nance, President and CEO of Ancora Education, observed “We are delighted to join the Lindenwood Education System. The mission of the Ancora schools is to inspire and empower individuals through career education and skill development. As part of LES, our schools will continue to flourish and fulfill this mission, while also advancing the system’s goals of expanding access, diversifying programs, and fostering innovation.”

The Lindenwood Education System represents an innovative and forward-looking approach to growth in the increasingly competitive higher education market. “Lindenwood Education System continues to expand our network of schools committed to providing all learners with educational solutions that will enable them to achieve their personal and professional goals,” Porter said.

Lindenwood Education System was advised by Husch Blackwell LLP, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Blue Rose Capital Advisors and RBC Capital Markets, and Ancora Education was advised by Thompson Coburn LLP, Moss Adams LLP and Cherry Tree & Associates.

For information about Ancora Education, visit www.ancora.com.

For information about Dorsey College, visit www.dorsey.edu.

For information about Lindenwood University, visit www.lindenwood.edu.