SPH Consulting Group

The higher education sector is witnessing significant changes, including shifting student demographics, increasing competition, and rising costs, which are pressuring institutions to adapt and evolve. A strategy many colleges and universities are adopting is mergers and acquisitions (M&A). By joining forces with other institutions, they can leverage economies of scale, expand their geographic reach, and improve overall financial stability.

Assisting higher education institutions with their M&A endeavors is Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education (SPH) Consulting Group.

SPH Consulting Group is a forward-thinking consulting organization helping higher education institutions develop and implement effective strategies for growth and sustainability. A beacon of hope for clients, it assists them in navigating the challenges around sustainable growth by enabling them to focus on M&A, partnerships, and consolidations.

Led by a team of seasoned professionals with deep expertise in higher education, SPH Consulting Group excels in various service areas, including strategic planning, enrollment management, program development, and fundraising. Uniquely, all team members have overseen or managed many aspects of actual mergers, consolidations and acquisitions in higher education.

“With our deep industry knowledge and extensive network of contacts, we are an invaluable partner for higher education institutions looking to stay ahead of the curve. We enable clients to find like-minded partners they can work with to achieve their present objectives while supporting them to be successful in the future,” states Ricardo Azziz, president and principal, SPH Consulting Group.

At a time when the higher education arena is facing excess capacity and a significant reduction in student enrollment numbers, SPH Consulting Group strongly advocates the value of merger or consolidation instead of closure, particularly an unplanned one, which detrimentally impacts students, faculties, and the community.

To prevent these institutions from shutting their doors permanently, it offers them a lifeline by creating innovative program offerings and enhancing their enrollment management policies.

SPH Consulting Group strives to deliver expert advice and guidance to clients for better decision-making. It allows them to consider different partnerships and strategically approach these collaborations while communicating all the relevant ideas to their boards and other constituents.

During every client engagement, SPH Consulting Group tries to understand the client community and alumni's needs, vision, and requirements. It brings rare expertise by offering strategic advice and consulting services to create a suitable roadmap for these higher education institutions.

With our deep industry knowledge and extensive network of contacts, we are an invaluable partner for higher education institutions looking to stay ahead of the curve. We enable clients to find like-minded partners they can work with to achieve their present objectives and mission while supporting them to be successful in the future

SPH Consulting Group helps clients identify the right partners and creates a list of potential institutions they may want to negotiate with. Following this, it develops a program management system for clients that allows them to effectively execute any of these large, complex corporate changes.

Going a notch higher in supporting clients, SPH Consulting Group has created the Center for Higher Education Mergers and Acquisitions (CHEMA), a think tank dedicated to generate unique data and guide discussions with higher education leaders about different M&A, consolidation, and partnership strategies. Its in-depth knowledge and expertise have enabled it to generate extensive data, which sets it apart from other consulting firms and positions it as a thought leader.

“The cornerstones to our success always have and will continue to be clear deliverables, expert guidance, and long-term partnerships to support client growth and success. By leveraging our expertise and data-driven approach, they can confidently traverse the complex paths of M&A and achieve their strategic goals,” states Azziz.