Cengage Group, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, has recently announced the acquisition of Visible Body, a leader in interactive 3D models and software for the sciences. This acquisition enhances Cengage Group’s science offerings across its portfolio, providing new mediums and interactive experiences for learners to engage and deepen their understanding of science concepts.
Brothers Andrew Bowditch, CEO, and Matthew Bowditch, CFO, lead Visible Body. The company launched in 2007 and is still a privately held, independent firm, building on the success of its educational publishing business from 20 years ago. It provides highly detailed, anatomically accurate 3D models of the Body, which medical artists develop with degrees in biomedical illustration. The platform also offers over 24,000 visual assets in seven languages, including animations and simulations, formative assessments and flashcards to test understanding. It is used at over 1,000 institutions and provides many resources to support educators. Its immersive experience, including augmented and mixed reality offerings, lowers the barriers to access to real-world learning in the sciences.
Speaking on the deal, Michael Hansen, CEO of Cengage Group, said:
Cengage Group is committed to helping learners gain the skills and competencies they need to enter the workforce and grow in their careers. The addition of Visible Body enriches our science offerings, providing more hands-on interactivity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the Body, which is vital for entering science and medical fields. Visible Body’s models allow students to learn and practice their studies, improving engagement and meeting the learners where they are in their learning journey.
With this acquisition, Visible Body’s 3D models and resources will be integrated with Cengage’s Higher Ed Anatomy and Physiology textbook by Elizabeth Co this spring. Later this year, plans will incorporate them into additional science courses in higher education and K-12. Cengage Group is also evaluating further opportunities to add Visible Body’s models across the company’s portfolio.
Visible Body co-founders CEO Andrew Bowditch and CFO Matthew Bowditch added:
Since its inception, Visible Body has been laser-focused on developing science products that help instructors and students excel. We are thrilled to join an organization that shares our mission and has the same passion for making learning engaging, accessible, and impactful. Our models align with learning goals and help students master content faster. With Cengage Group, we can leverage the company’s scale and expertise in various education markets to further our reach and impact.
As part of the deal, Vicksburg Capital Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to Visible Body on the transaction.
Cengage Group provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job-ready. The platform serves the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through its scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, the company supports all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.
