KAPLAN ACQUIRES ALTIOR

Acquisition expands Kaplan’s post-qualification legal training offering

24 July, London -- Kaplan Professional, one of the UK’s leading providers of business and financial training, has acquired Altior, a specialist provider of professional legal training courses, for an undisclosed sum.

Peter Houillon, Chief Executive of Kaplan Professional, said: “Altior, well-known for its commitment to delivering the highest quality training and customer service, is an excellent strategic fit for Kaplan as we build a leading professional development business in the UK.

“Last year, we launched Nottingham Law at Kaplan Law School’s top-rated Legal Practice Course and Graduate Diploma in London, and we entered the market for legal professional development by acquiring Kaplan Hawksmere.  Altior’s Professional Skills Course, which is compulsory for trainee solicitors, and its other professional development courses for the legal practice market complement our existing offerings to the legal market.

“We are already well-known for our finance and accountancy training with 29 centres throughout the UK.  This acquisition brings exciting opportunities for further growth underpinned by the strength and depth of Kaplan’s $2 billion global business.” 

Mark Loosemore, CEO of Altior, said: “These are exciting times for Altior.  In Kaplan, we will have a parent company with a great understanding of professional development training.  In the last year, we have won a number of significant new clients and introduced new courses.  From here, with Kaplan’s strategic expertise and financial backing, we aim to grow our presence further.”

The new business will trade under the name of Kaplan Altior.  Altior’s programmes will continue without interruption.

About Kaplan Professional

Kaplan Professional is one of the UK’s leaders in financial and business training.  Kaplan Professional is a part of Kaplan, Inc., which provides educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses around the world. Kaplan, with 2007 revenue of $2 billion, is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO - News). For more information, please visit www.kaplanprofessional.co.uk.

About Altior Consulting & Training

Founded in 1979 and based in Cardiff, Altior are market leaders in management, advocacy and skills training for lawyers and are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board.  In addition to the PSC, Altior runs management and business skills training courses for law firm management, partners, other fee-earners and support staff. The Professional Skills Courses (PSC) is a compulsory modular programme that trainee solicitors must complete within their two year training contract.

Press contact:

Elizabeth Hess
Kaplan Professional

Phone: + 44 20 7645 8968

elizabeth.hess@kaplan.com 

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