Pearson this month has opened a third test preparation office in Nigeria in collaboration with Kaplan and partnered with Nepal's ECAN to promote the PTE Academic test through its network and recruitment events.

In significant news for the education agency industry, a major Japan-based agency, BEO Ltd has announced its merger with Hands On Education Consultants in Thailand and investment from Kaplan as part of the deal. The news means a second investment into the distribution side of the business for Kaplan, following its acquisition of Pro Lingus in Switzerland in 2008.

Venezuelan agency giant Globorama is developing an independent network of schools after its partner, international education provider and test preperation company Kaplan, opened an independent sales office in Caracas. However Kaplan says the move helps reinforce its brand.