Global learning and skills development company Malvern International is in the process of acquiring Communicate English School in Manchester according to documents submitted to the London Stock Exchange. The deal is said to be worth £2.34m.

The purchase, which the documents say is intended to broaden Malvern’s UK footprint, follows on from the company’s recent acquisition of SAA – Global Education in Singapore.

It is said to be part of a continuing strategy to further develop and grow the Malvern business through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions that supplement its existing geographic areas of operations in the UK, Singapore, and Malaysia before considering other territories.

A spokesperson for Malvern told The PIE News that the business is looking to create a larger, more flexible footprint for its students, resulting in more student options and a more efficient business with scale.

They said the proposed acquisition of Communicate is consistent with this strategy and will supplement the Group’s existing UK operations.

“The directors believe that the acquisition is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders as it has a good track record for quality and growth, and being based in Manchester it will complement the Group’s existing London school, and provide an alternative location for potential Malvern students.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Malvern chairman Gopinath Pillai said: “the acquisition of Communicate, our second in seven months, illustrates the consolidation opportunities in our industry and Malvern’s ability to partner with willing vendors.”

He added that the strength of offering students a wide choice of course subjects and locations, coupled with the flexibility of being able to study across multiple sites and online, sets Malvern apart.

“The new management team under Dr. Sam Malafeh has a strong growth strategy which is starting to demonstrate its true potential which is very exciting.

“We look forward to updating the market on further progress in due course.”