Ogle School Acquired by RLJ Equity Partners

Founded in 1973, Ogle School is the largest provider of cosmetology and esthetics education in the State of Texas through nine campuses across the Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio metro areas. With roughly 2,000 students graduating annually, Ogle attracts a variety of customers, including high school students, displaced workers, and individuals who want to change careers.

The team at Navagant advised Ogle School in a change-of-control transaction after achieving significant growth and profitability under the ownership of NCK Capital and Greyrock Capital Group. The company, desiring a growth-focused equity investor to expand its market share and presence, was sold to RLJ Equity Partners, a private equity firm that saw an excellent opportunity to add new school locations and bring cosmetology and esthetics education to a largely minority population.

John Blair, President & CEO, Ogle School

“Our new partner RLJ shares our vision and commitment to invest in our people, academic programs, technology, and facilities to assure the highest standards of excellence. With RLJ’s resources and expertise, we look forward to scaling the Company and continuing the legacy of helping our future beauty professionals achieve their career goals. The entire Ogle team is excited to embark on this next chapter with RLJ.”

Jacob Voorhees, Managing Director, Navagant

“With Ogle’s reputation as an award-winning provider of cosmetology and esthetics education, coupled with RLJ’s expertise and resources, there is an undeniable sense of excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead. This strategic partnership has the potential to propel Ogle School to new heights, expanding its market presence and driving further growth and success in the industry. The future looks bright for Ogle School under the guidance of RLJ Equity Group.”

Benefits & Long-Term Value Creation

Ogle School serves as a vital institution for aspiring beauty professionals in Texas and around the United States. Their accredited programs provide students with comprehensive training, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the industry. Ogle School serves a diverse community of individuals who are passionate about pursuing careers in cosmetology, esthetics, and related fields.

Ogle is committed to bringing more career opportunities to disadvantaged populations to increase their earning power. More than 80% of students are between 19 and 33 years old, 70% are black or Hispanic and 50% are earning less than $10,000 a year in their current professions. After graduation, many students are able to increase their salaries 3x to 5x to help provide for themselves and their families.

Ogle, through its partnership with RLJ, will continue to develop and implement its strategic initiatives to better serve its students and introduce more minorities to social upward mobility.

About RLJ Equity Partners

Established in 2006, RLJ Equity Partners is a private equity company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Their investment approach focuses on buyouts, recapitalizations, and additional acquisitions, targeting companies within the aerospace, business services, industrial, transportation, logistics, media, telecommunications, retail, and value-added manufacturing sectors in North America.