UNIR's owner imitates Jeff Bezos and buys Europa Press to gain influence

Miguel Arrufat, founder of the educational group Proeduca and largest shareholder of Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), has taken majority control of Europa Press. The transaction has been channeled through the Instituto de Investigación y Transferencia de Conocimiento (IITC). The entity is linked to his business network. The purpose of the transaction is to boost the technological innovation of the news agency and strengthen its sustainability and competitiveness.

The transaction is reminiscent of the strategy followed by major international entrepreneurs such as Jeff Bezos, who in 2013 bought The Washington Post. He did so to strengthen his influence in the information field and apply a modern business vision to a traditional media outlet. Like the Amazon founder, Arrufat is taking another step in consolidating his business ecosystem. It ranges from universities to digital learning platforms.

Europa Press has officially announced the incorporation of IITC as majority partner in a transaction aimed at enhancing editorial independence. Also improving the quality of news content through advanced technological tools. The previous owner was Asís Martín de Cabiedes, who will remain as president. He has stated that the goal is "to provide Europa Press with more technological capabilities and better resources to serve its clients with agility and reliability."

The agency plans to implement artificial intelligence tools to facilitate journalistic work. As well as distribution and content personalization systems tailored to the interests of each user. The news management will continue to be led by Javier García Vila.

It should be recalled that the agency, founded in 1953 by Torcuato Luca de Tena, was consolidated thanks to Antonio Herrero Losada (father of the controversial radio host and director between 1963 and 1989). It was the first media outlet to publish the death of the fascist dictator Francisco Franco.

UNIR's Digital Empire, Heavily Criticized for Precariousness

Proeduca Altus, the parent company of UNIR, represents one of the main benchmarks in the digital education sector in the Spanish-speaking world despite the criticism it receives for the precarious conditions suffered by its professors. Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, founded in 2008, has positioned itself as a giant in online education with more than 55,000 students. Nearly half of them are from outside Spain. In addition to its headquarters in Spain, it has a presence in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.

The key to its business model lies in its fully virtual structure and its practical approach, aimed at responding to labor market demands. According to their explanation, UNIR seeks to offer comprehensive, accessible, and personalized education. They do so with a teaching method based on flexibility and constant support for the student.

Its commercial success is reflected in its figures: Proeduca has an annual turnover of around €300 million (300 millones de euros) and generates profits close to €50 million (50 millones de euros). These results have made Miguel Arrufat one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in Spain. Forbes estimates his fortune at €640 million (640 millones de euros).

The company has been listed on the stock market since 2019, the year UNIR received the Medalla de La Rioja. It has diversified its activity with other educational initiatives such as CUNIMAD (Centro Universitario de Madrid). Also Edix (digital education focused on employment). Additionally, KSchool (technological training) and Newman Business School or MIU City University in Miami.

Strategic Alliances and Media Expansion

The acquisition of Europa Press is not an isolated move. Arrufat has woven a network of alliances in recent years with key players in the education and media sectors. UNIR keeps a collaboration with Grupo Prisa. With them, it offers the Master's in Digital Journalism, in which renowned figures such as Manuel Jabois or Kiko Llaneras participate. The master's program offers internships in media outlets such as El País, SER, As, or Los 40 Principales. The project is presented as a comprehensive proposal for training in new formats and journalistic entrepreneurship.

Additionally, UNIR and Prisa, through Santillana, jointly organize the Sustainable Schools Award, which recognizes educational centers in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil for their commitment to environmental and pedagogical innovation.

These alliances show a clear strategy of expansion and positioning of UNIR as a global player in the world of online higher education, with ties that go beyond the academic field and that strengthen its institutional and media presence.

From Philosopher to Education Magnate

Miguel Tomás Arrufat Pujol, who holds a degree in Philosophy and Letters from Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, launched UNIR in the midst of the economic crisis in 2008, with the goal of competing with distance universities such as UNED, UOC, or UDIMA.

His business vision, supported by figures such as Carlos Mayor Oreja, former general director of Fundación San Pablo CEU and chairman of UNIR's board of directors until 2019, has transformed a digital university into a multinational educational conglomerate.