Navagant, LLC (“Navagant”), a leading middle-market investment bank, advised The Intern Group (“TIG” or the “Company”) on its sale to Academic Programs International (“API”), a portfolio company of Avathon Capital.
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in London, TIG is a leading provider of international internship programs for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals. The Company has placed more than 15,000 participants representing over 150 nationalities with thousands of host organizations across nine global cities and remotely, spanning fields including business, finance, technology, engineering, marketing, and law. Programs combine guaranteed internship placements with housing, visa support, on-site assistance, and professional development, while partnerships with more than 150 universities support customized and for-credit offerings. TIG receives over 40,000 applications annually.
Founded in 1997 and based in Austin, Texas, Academic Programs International is a leading provider of international education programs, serving more than 800 member and affiliate institutions with offerings across nearly 80 cities in 30 countries. Through its Learn, Work, Thrive framework, API connects study abroad, international internships, and career readiness, supported by its AI-enabled ConnectAIQ platform. API is backed by Avathon Capital, an education-focused private equity firm.
The combination brings together two complementary platforms in global experiential education. TIG’s international internship placement expertise and extensive employer network strengthen API’s career-focused offerings, while API’s established university relationships, global infrastructure, and technology-enabled platform broaden TIG’s reach, particularly within U.S. higher education. Together, the combined organization is positioned to offer students a more integrated pathway from study abroad to international internships and career readiness, while providing university partners with a comprehensive suite of global learning opportunities.
We chose Navagant due to their absolute industry knowledge. My belief is if you want to do a deal in the education space, you need to be speaking with them. Their advice, support, and domain knowledge are unparalleled. Furthermore, I would not want to be represented by anyone other than Navagant in this industry, and I would thoroughly recommend them to fellow entrepreneur friends.
David Lloyd, Co-Founder and CEO, The Intern GroupOver the past 15 years, The Intern Group has built an exceptional business, delivering meaningful international experiences for students. The combination of API and TIG brings together two highly complementary organizations positioned to expand access to international education and internships while delivering measurable, evidence-based outcomes that strengthen students’ future employment opportunities. Congratulations to both teams on a successful transaction.
Shawn Keenan, Managing Director, NavagantAbout Navagant
Navagant is a middle-market investment bank serving entrepreneurs, family-businesses, large corporations, and financial sponsors seeking to optimize their transaction outcomes. Our sell-side advisory services include mergers and acquisitions, majority and minority recapitalizations, management buyouts and corporate carve-outs. With a conscious-capital mission and a team of experienced investment banking professionals, Navagant delivers tailored solutions to help organizations unlock value and achieve life-changing outcomes.
For more information, please visit www.navagant.com.