Kaplan Higher Education Acquires RETS Technical Center

Acquisition of Boston-Based School Marks KHE's 12th Acquisition in 2002 and Expands Campus-Based Network to 46

Boston, MA, December 17, 2003 - Kaplan, Inc. today announced that its higher education division has signed an agreement to acquire RETS Technical Center, a career-oriented postsecondary school providing technical and professional training. The acquisition of the Boston, MA-based RETS marks the 12th school acquired by Kaplan Higher Education (KHE) this year -- in addition to two recent school openings -- expanding KHE's campus-based network to 46 schools in 14 states. The acquisition is contingent upon regulatory approvals.

RETS offers full-time training leading to careers in Electronics Technology, R.H.V.A.C. (Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Service Technology, Medical Assisting, and a part-time course in Electronics/PC Service Technology.

"Over the past several months, we've seen a healthy increase in the numbers of people seeking career-oriented technical training, along with an increase in demand for skilled professionals in these industries," said Gary Kerber, CEO of KHE. "Our acquisition of RETS made perfect sense. The school has an established reputation for providing quality career training and job placement, in keeping with the programs at our other campuses. RETS also establishes Kaplan Higher Education's presence in the critical Northeast educational region." Kerber noted that plans for the school include degree and well as non-degree training options along with other career programs such as criminal justice, electrician and massage therapy; to name a few.

The school's director, Don Harris, a veteran of private education with 28 years of experience, will maintain his role with the school.

Recognized as a leader in electronics technology and computer training in the Greater Boston area since 1958, RETS Technical Center has helped place many of its graduates through its Job Placement Assistance Program. Graduates have filled positions such as Marine Communications Technicians, Radar Repair Technicians, Automotive Test Technicians, and Computer Systems Technicians for companies such as General Electric, Fidelity Investments, and Beech Service Engineering.

One of Boston's oldest and most respected career schools, RETS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (A.C.C.S.C.T.), and is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education. The campus is located at 965 Commonwealth Avenue.

Financial assistance is available at RETS through Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educations Opportunity Grants, Federal Plus Loans, Massachusetts State Grants, and Massachusetts No-Interest Loans.

About Kaplan Higher Education
Kaplan, Inc.'s Higher Education Division includes 46 campus-based schools in 14 states, as well as online programs toward numerous degrees. Kaplan has been providing educational and career services to students, schools, professionals, and businesses worldwide for more than 60 years. Kaplan is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information about Kaplan, please visit http://www.kaplan.com

Press Contacts:

Carina Wong
212-492-5992
carina_wong@kaplan.com

Tammy Fang
212-492-5965
tammy_fang@kaplan.com 

Printable Version