Mubadala’s Clariens Educação Buys Espírito Santo University

Mubadala-backed Clariens Educação has agreed to acquire Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), one of Brazil’s established private universities in the southeastern state of Espírito Santo. The deal expands Clariens’ portfolio to six higher-education institutions offering medical programs, all acquired within the past four years.

The acquisition was reported by O Globo on Wednesday, September 2, based on single-source reporting. Financial terms for the UVV transaction were not disclosed.

Expanding National Reach

UVV is the first institution from Espírito Santo to join Clariens’ network. Founded 50 years ago, the university is known for its medical school and broader health-related programs, while also offering dozens of undergraduate degrees across other fields.

Clariens said it plans to preserve UVV’s brand and institutional identity while expanding its investment capacity and connecting the university to the group’s other institutions. The company currently controls the Zarns network, with colleges in Bahia, Goiás and Minas Gerais, as well as Unesulbahia in Bahia and Centro Universitário IMEPAC in Minas Gerais.

Thiago Sayão, Clariens’ chief executive, said UVV would retain its strong local identity while gaining access to broader academic and investment opportunities. José Luiz Dantas, UVV’s president, said the partnership would create room for collaboration in teaching, research and innovation.

Billion-Real Investment

Clariens has invested at least R$1.28 billion (roughly USD 240 million, an approximate conversion at recent rates) in three acquisitions since 2023: Zarns Itumbiara in Goiás, Zarns Pouso Alegre in Minas Gerais and IMEPAC in Minas Gerais.

The group did not disclose the purchase prices for Zarns Salvador and Unesulbahia, which it acquired in 2022. Market estimates cited by a sector source put the combined value of those two transactions above R$800 million (roughly USD 150 million, an approximate conversion at recent rates).

Clariens said its strategy is to bring together institutions with established reputations in different regions of Brazil. The group expects the network to share practices and expertise in technology, artificial intelligence, teaching methods and realistic simulation used in professional training.

The expansion is part of Mubadala Capital’s broader investment activity in Brazil. Mubadala Capital, the asset-management arm of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, manages more than USD 600 billion through its own businesses and strategic partnerships, according to the report.

For Clariens, UVV adds a more diversified university structure to a portfolio that has focused heavily on medicine and health education. The company said the acquisition will allow the Espírito Santo institution to maintain its local legacy while participating in a larger national education network.