Global University Systems has acquired Arden University, an online and distance blended learning institution in the UK, for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition was from US-based Capella Education Company, and will help GUS to meet growing demand for career-enhancing learning, the company said.
“We look forward to working with Arden to build its offering of online and blended degree and master’s programmes”
Arden University, known as Resource Development International until last August, offers over 50 programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
“We look forward to working with Arden to build its offering of online and blended degree and master’s programmes, to meet growing UK and international demand from employers and students for career-enhancing learning in the digital economy,” said Aaron Etingen, founder and CEO of Global University Systems.
He said the university’s “strong position in the UK market for distance and blended learning” made it an attractive addition to GUS’s portfolio.
GUS operates 10 other educational institutions including the University of Law, which it acquired in 2015, and The Language Gallery. Its institutions teach around 50,000 students every year in 150 different countries.
Arden University enrols a further 6,500 students on its programmes.
“I am looking forward to working as part of GUS to realise our full potential to offer students in the UK and overseas a flexible and relevant university education,” said Philip Hallam, CEO and vice-chancellor of Arden University.
“Although many things have changed over the past 25 years, our mission remains the same: to provide wider access to higher education, inspiring new ways to learn, and enriching people and their lives.”
