Access Holdings has sold American Student Transportation Partners to CVC DIF

American Student Transportation Partners

Established in 2021, American Student Transportation Partners (ASTP) provides a robust network of contracted student transportation solutions across the Northeast and Midwest United States. Since inception, it has developed into a leading multi-state operator through its contracted route-based model. ASTP has a proven track record, delivering high-quality, mission-driven student transportation solutions to more than 50 school districts and providing access to education through safe and reliable transportation programs. ASTP serves school districts and its communities through an owned fleet of more than 2,300 technology-enabled school buses and passenger vans. For additional information, please visit www.astpartners.com.

The Deal

Access Holdings (Access) launched the ASTP platform in 2021 following the acquisition of Krise Transportation. During Access’s ownership period, the company achieved significant growth through a combination of organic and inorganic initiatives, investments in the management team and significant operational improvements including the implementation of advanced technology, innovative service offerings and data-driven decision making.

Following this success, Access and ASTP trusted Lincoln International to help find a new partner to support the company’s continued growth strategy given its deep industry expertise, buyer relationships and process expertise. The new partnership with CVC DIF will provide resources and support to further scale ASTP’s platform, strengthen its position in the student transportation sector and build upon its track record of superior service, operational excellence and commitment to student safety.

Tod Eskra, CEO of ASTP, commented, “Our journey with the Access team provided ASTP with the proprietary processes, contemporary programs and top-tier talent needed to grow into the modern, leading platform we are today. Thanks to the strategic direction and tech-enabled capabilities provided by Access and the hard work and dedication of the ASTP team, we are prepared for a strong future alongside our new partner, CVC DIF.”

Josh Finifter, Managing Director at Access, said, “We thank Lincoln for being our trusted advisor to identify the right partner to support ASTP’s next phase of growth. Lincoln’s strategic insight, deep understanding of the student transportation market and strong execution capabilities were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome.”

Our Perspective

Adam Gifford, Lincoln International Managing Director who led the transaction, commented, “It was a privilege to work with Access Holdings and the ASTP management team on this transaction. Access and the ASTP team created a truly differentiated leader in the student transportation sector, and we look forward to following ASTP’s continued growth under its newfound partnership with CVC DIF.”

Access Holdings

Access Holdings is a next-generation alternative asset manager providing investors with access to the lower middle market. Founded in 2013, Access has approximately $2.4 billion in assets under management. The firm implements its data-driven operating model—The Access Way—to partner with lower-middle market businesses in industries essential to economic growth and resilience. For more information, please visit www.accessholdings.com.

CVC DIF

CVC DIF is a leading global middle market infrastructure equity fund manager. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Amsterdam, CVC DIF has approximately €19 billon of infrastructure assets under management in energy transition, transport, utilities and digitalization. With more than 250 people in 12 offices, CVC DIF offers a unique market approach, combining a global presence with the benefits of strong local networks and sector-focused investment capabilities. CVC DIF forms the infrastructure strategy of leading global private markets manager CVC. This partnership allows CVC DIF to benefit from CVC’s global platform, with 30 offices across five continents. For additional information, please visit www.cvcdif.com.

Share: