ADvTECH Acquires Gaborone International School

ADvTECH has acquired Gaborone International School (GIS) in Botswana for BWP 70m (R84m). This is ADvTECH’s first acquisition outside of South Africa and is in line with the Group’s growth strategy of investing in leading and established school brands, the company said.

GIS was founded in 1993 and purchased by Mr Chow in 2007. “GIS follows the Cambridge education syllabus and caters from crèche to Form 4. GIS has a track record of excellent academic outcomes, strong student demand and profitability,” ADvTECH said.

GIS currently has 1 800 students, with capacity for 2 300 students and sufficient space on the existing campus to build additional classrooms. The proposed acquisition is subject to approval of the Botswana Competition Authority.

Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of ADvTECH said: “Following on from the acquisitions of Centurus, Kathstan and Maravest, this transaction progresses our plans to expand into other emerging markets and into lower-fee schools. GIS aligns to our promise to deliver quality private education to students outside of South Africa’s borders.”

Craig Chow, owner and outgoing chairman of GIS said: “Following an extensive review of possible partners, we are delighted that ADvTECH will lead the next phase of GIS’ growth. As a leader in the private education market, ADvTECH brings the right values, significant expertise and back office experience in providing quality private education to Botswana.”

GIS will fall into the newly established ADvTECH Academies brand. The schools under ADvTECH Academies will service their local communities and retain their own identity and ethos, whilst operating autonomously and maintaining their own brands. They will offer a range of curricula and a variety of fee options.

The current GIS education, management team and student’s curriculum will remain unchanged. Source: Share News