Northborne Partners Facilitates Acquisition of UTS by Student Transportation

Northborne Partners Advises Universal Transportation Systems in Acquisition by Student Transportation of America

On October 7, 2025, Northborne Partners proudly announced its role as the exclusive financial advisor for Universal Transportation Systems (UTS) during its acquisition by Student Transportation of America (STA). While the financial specifics of this deal remain undisclosed, the transaction signifies a noteworthy event within the student transportation sector.

Founded in 1992, UTS has established itself as one of Ohio's largest independent providers of student transportation. The company caters to a diverse clientele, including school districts, charter schools, and universities, primarily operating within the greater Cincinnati and Columbus metropolitan regions. UTS currently employs more than 350 individuals and maintains a fleet of 350 school buses and vans from its terminals located in central and southwest Ohio.

Ben Marks, Managing Director at Northborne Partners, pointed out that the student transportation segment continues to attract significant interest, particularly from established players like STA and various investment funds aiming to enter the market and build new platforms. Marks emphasized, "Student transportation remains a highly sought-after sub-vertical within the broader infrastructure environment."

This acquisition is not just a standalone event; it marks Northborne's second completed transaction in the student transportation industry for the year 2025. The firm's successful track record highlights its expertise in navigating the complexities surrounding such deals.

Geoff Kuzio, another member of the Northborne team, praised their team's efforts, stating, "The Northborne team was a trusted partner in helping us navigate this transaction. Their extensive knowledge of the student transportation sector and deep connections with strategic industry players proved essential in achieving a positive outcome."

To support UTS through this transition, Strauss Troy served as the legal advisor, ensuring that all legal aspects were handled with the utmost care and precision.

About Northborne Partners

Northborne Partners stands as a preeminent middle-market investment banking firm, concentrating on providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services to businesses across various sectors, including industrial, healthcare, services, and food. The firm specializes in assisting private-equity-owned and closely-held businesses with intricate sell-side transactions, driving success in complex deals. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Northborne Partners is recognized for its dedication to its clients and industry expertise. For more information, visit northborne.com.

About Universal Transportation Systems

UTS has been providing exceptional student transportation services across Ohio since its inception in 1992. The company specializes in a diverse range of transportation services, including general education, special education, and charter services. UTS serves public school districts, charter schools, and universities primarily from its Cincinnati and Columbus terminals. For more details, visit utsohio.com.

About Student Transportation of America

Established in 1997, STA has risen to become North America's second largest and most progressive school transportation provider. With a fleet exceeding 20,000 vehicles, STA operates across 24 U.S. states and in six Canadian provinces as well as one Canadian territory. STA's local operations are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation solutions for school districts throughout North America. More information can be found at ridesta.com.