Big Blue Marble Academy Acquires Odyssey Early Schools

Leeds Equity Partners Acquires Big Blue Marble Academy from Avathon Capital

January 3, 2024

Education

Leeds Equity Partners has acquired Big Blue Marble Academy, a leading early childhood education and childcare provider operating 67 schools across eight U.S. states. The seller was Avathon Capital, which invested in BBMA in 2018 and helped grow the business to serve over 10,000 students with more than 2,000 staff; terms were not disclosed.

Big Blue Marble Academy Acquires The Cedarhouse School (Midlothian, VA)

March 11, 2025

Education

Big Blue Marble Academy (BBMA) has acquired The Cedarhouse School in Midlothian, Virginia, marking BBMA’s first school in the Commonwealth and the organization’s 92nd school nationwide. The confidential transaction, brokered by HINGE Early Education Advisors, transfers ownership from founder Elizabeth Bale to BBMA, supporting the operator’s geographic expansion and continued delivery of its early childhood curriculum and resources.

Avathon Capital Acquires Yellow Brick Road

February 6, 2025

Education

Avathon Capital, a private equity firm focused on education and workforce businesses, has acquired Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center, a founder-owned network of 25 early childhood centers serving Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. The transaction will keep Jessica Johnsen as CEO and adds an experienced board to support growth as Avathon expands its early childhood education platform across the Midwest.

Avathon Capital Acquires Magical Beginnings Learning Centers

January 31, 2024

Education

Avathon Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on education and workforce investments, has acquired Magical Beginnings Learning Centers, a Massachusetts-based network of seven early childhood education centers operating in the Greater Boston area. Avathon named Mark Donovan as CEO, formed a new board chaired by Sarah Clabby, and the founder Linda Hassapis Bonfanti will move to a board director role as part of the transaction.

Granite Creek Capital Partners and Equivu Capital Invest in Odyssey Aviation U.S.

September 13, 2022

Transportation

Chicago-based private equity firm Granite Creek Capital Partners has made an investment in Odyssey Aviation U.S., a fixed-base operator (FBO) headquartered in Bonita Springs, Florida. The transaction supports a broader recapitalization in which Equivu Capital (the investment arm of CEO Salvatore Calvino) becomes the majority shareholder; proceeds will fund growth, strengthen operations, and support geographic expansion of Odyssey's FBO network.

Tallvine Partners Acquires Odyssey Aviation U.S. from Granite Creek and Equivu Capital

January 30, 2025

Aerospace & Defense

Tallvine Partners has acquired Odyssey Aviation U.S., a fixed-base operator (FBO) with locations in Kissimmee, FL; Ypsilanti (Willow Run), MI; and St. Simons Island, GA, from Granite Creek Capital Partners and majority owner Equivu Capital. The transaction represents a sale/exit of the PE-backed portfolio company to an infrastructure-focused middle‑market investor.