Berkeley Language Services has acquired New York City-based international language school, Rennert International, for an undisclosed fee, the companies have announced.
BLS is a subsidiary of Berkeley Educational Services of New York, which also owns Berkeley College, a family-owned institution with campuses in New York and New Jersey.
“These services will not only continue but will expand alongside our partnership”
Kevin L. Luing, chairman of Berkeley College and Berkeley Language Services, said the deal would be beneficial to both students and schools.
“The venture allows Berkeley College and Rennert to scale our international offerings, combine resources and better serve students through a one-stop approach to language education and English as a Second Language teaching and learning resources,” Luing said in a statement.
Berkeley College has worked with Rennert for nearly three decades through its international studies and certificate programs. The acquisition means Rennert’s offerings will be available to Berkeley students.
Berkeley College students will benefit from having access to Rennert’s ESL resources on-site and to outbound study abroad programs, according to the schools, and Rennert students will gain from Berkeley College’s learning resources, extracurricular activities and special events.
“The long-term relationship between Berkeley College and Rennert, combined with their longevity, quality reputation, and focus on student success, makes this a strong strategic fit for the future of both Berkeley and Rennert,” Luing added.
César Rennert, president of Rennert International sees the deal with “first-rate institution” Berkeley College as a “win-win” for both organisations.
“Berkeley’s history of excellence in experiential teaching and learning and putting students first, is complementary to Rennert’s approach to serving clients,” he said.
Rennert has worked with many respected partners and educators from around the world since being established in 1973, and these will continue to provide a strong language pathway for students to access the colleges of their choosing, he added.
“These services will not only continue but will expand alongside our partnership with Berkeley College.”
Cynthia Marchese, senior vice president, International at Berkeley College added the school’s vision is to offer students a world-class intercultural learning experience that “removes language barriers” and makes experiential learning accessible to all students in the “greatest city in the world”.
Rennert will continue operating under its current management at its location in the City.
A Rennert learning and resource facility is planned to open in April 2019 at one of Berkeley College’s three campuses in NYC, which is also home to the New York campus of Fresenius University of Germany, another Berkeley College international education partner.
