Global schools group Cognita has taken a majority stake in St. Gilgen International School in Salzburg. EY Law Austria advised the school and the parent‑founded foundation behind it on the transaction, which completed in March 2026.
Cognita makes its first investment in Austria
Founded in 2008, St. Gilgen International School is an international day and boarding school in the Salzburg region. The school teaches the International Baccalaureate curriculum and currently educates approximately 230 students, representing more than 35 nationalities.
Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Cognita is one of the world’s leading schools groups, supporting a network of 90 schools across more than 20 countries and employing more than 22,000 staff worldwide. St Gilgen International School becomes Cognita’s first school in Austria. Under the transaction, Cognita has acquired a majority shareholding, while the St. Gilgen International School Private Foundation remains invested as a minority shareholder.
The transaction reflects continued international interest in Austria as a stable and well‑regulated environment for international schooling, underpinned by high academic standards and long‑term institutional continuity.
Comprehensive advice by EY Law
EY Law Austria advised St. Gilgen International School throughout the transaction. The mandate encompassed all corporate, regulatory and transaction‑related aspects. “This was a particularly meaningful mandate for us as a firm. Education is, by its nature, a long‑term investment,” said Dr Katrin Speigner, Partner at EY Law. “The involvement of an internationally experienced schools group supports the school’s continued development and strengthens Salzburg’s standing as a region and as a centre for education.” The transaction was advised by Katrin Speigner and Teresa Bell from EY Law’s M&A team. Maximilian Bell advised on corporate law matters, while Tobias Scheufler advised on the real estate elements of the transaction.
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