Navitas buys NZ college

Perth-based education provider Navitas has acquired an English language college in New Zealand for $NZ 5 million ($A4.5 million).

Navitas will draw down on unused finance facilities to acquire the Christchurch College of English, which is the University of Cantebury’s official on-campus English language provider with campuses in Christchurch and Auckland.

“This acquisition allows Navitas to increase the depth of our offering to our partner university while also expanding our footprint in the key international education destination of New Zealand,” Navitas chief executive Rod Jones said.

“CCEL is a well-regarded New Zealand brand and has a very strong reputation as a high quality education provider with the highest possible quality rating from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.”

CCEL offers a range of English courses and holds about 350 students across its programs.

The deal is expected to close by December.

Navitas shares were 2.3 per cent lower to $4.42 each at 10:45am.