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Pearson acquires Chinese schools

28.05.08

Pearson is to acquire two privately-owned English language school chains in China. Pearson said it would develop new curriculum materials for the schools, drawing on content from Penguin and Pearson Longman.

"We are significantly accelerating our investment and growth in China," said Marjorie Scardino. "It is a market where public and private spending on education is growing rapidly, where parents see that English language proficiency is central to their children's success and adults see that English greatly improves their job prospects in the global economy."

Learning Education Center (LEC), founded in 2000, provides English language instruction for children aged five to 12, through 17 schools, principally in Shanghai. Children attend classes after school, at weekends and during school holidays. Pearson has acquired 80% of LEC from its founders, Andrew Chen and Michelle He.

Dell English, founded in 1999, offers English language training to students typically aged between 15 and 35 years old, through more than 20 schools, principally in Beijing. Pearson will initially acquire 50% of Dell English from its founder and owner, Cole Wang, and will make further investment over the next three years to fund the expansion of the business, taking Pearson's stake to 70%.

Together, LEC and Dell English had sales of approximately $10m in 2007 and gross assets of about $6.2m at the end of 2007.

Pearson plans to support the continued expansion of both schools, which will operate under the 'Learning' brand. Marjorie Scardino, Pearson's chief executive, is formally opening 'Learning' at one of its schools today in Shanghai. Pearson also will invest in new teacher development programmes, assessment services and interactive digital learning programmes.

International pearson education China

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