English language provider EC has sold its higher education arm to Study Group for an undisclosed sum, in a strategic move which EC says will mean it can focus exclusively on its “core strength” – its full immersion English language provision.
In 2018, EC acquired Study Group’s English language division Embassy English, and the two organisations will work well together again to ensure the successful transition of this latest deal, CEO of EC, Andrew Mangion, explained.
“The decision reflects a rapidly changing international student market”
He told The PIE News, “As we were in final negotiations on the acquisition of Embassy English with Study Group leadership in October, it became evident that our focus was on getting integration right and on the full immersion business.”
Mangion said he suggested this further possible acquisition and Study Group were interested: “They are focusing and we are focusing.”
EC’s higher education division was a newer part of the company which started life in Malta and celebrated its 25th birthday in 2016 as a global ELT brand.
Its two HE partners are in the US: DePaul University and University of Hartford.
Meanwhile, Mangion said that the overall integration of Embassy English into EC’s portfolio was going “exceedingly well in one of most complex acquisitions, possibly the industry and certainly EC has ever seen”.
The five Embassy schools in Australia and New Zealand have been refurbished and rebranded, while schools in the US, UK and Canada have merged. In total, EC now has 29 adult schools across four continents.
In addition, he confirmed the Embassy Summer brand will be retained alongside EC young learners division, now known as EC Academy, meaning the company will have two young learner divisions. Overall, EC has more than 30 junior schools globally.
“Embassy Summer will be positioned as a value brand, a more value and volume brand, which is what it is today,” Mangion explained.
“Embassy Summer will be positioned as a value brand”
It’s been a time of change for EC, with Mangion recently moving back into the role of CEO after Michael Xuereb – who held the position since 2009 – stepped down to pursue “a new challenge in a new industry”.
“I’m excited and energised about moving into CEO role again,” said Mangion.