Cambridge Education Group has acquired Omnicom School of Languages in Canada through its English language school division, Stafford House International for an undisclosed amount. The group has acquired centres in both Calgary and Toronto marking its entry into the Canadian market.
Stephan Roussounis, managing director of Stafford House, said the acquisition is the next step in the company’s strategy to expand its destination range. Last year the group trebled its US operations to four centres by acquiring Intrax English Programs.
“We have wanted to enter the Canadian market since 2011, and we have seen a wide variety of opportunities,” said Roussounis in a LinkedIn post. “We were looking for a base to build on that had a track record of delivering high quality family friendly service.”
“We have wanted to enter the Canadian market since 2011″
The group aspires to expand to Vancouver but will focus on transitioning Omnicon first, he said. The schools will be fully integrated into the Stafford House portfolio by 2017. Until then, business operations will remain as usual, the group said in a statement.
Omnicom was established in 1974 and offers a range of English language programmes. The mid-size school enrols about 150 students at its Toronto location and around 50 in Calgary, but both grow during summer peak times.
Ivan Markiet, founder and former owner of Omnicom said after 42 years in the business, he wanted to find the right people to buy his schools. “We are dedicated to great customer service and personal attention, and we believe Stafford House has the same commitment to its students. I wish them every success.”
Stafford House International was established in 1952 in the UK. This deal brings its total number of schools up to 10 with four in the UK and four in the US. The company also runs 14 English summer schools in the UK and US.
