Guided learning provider FutureLearn, a subsidiary of financial services group PSG, has acquired South African adult education and training specialist Media Works for an undisclosed amount.
The deal, which took effect on 1 May, means FutureLearn, which has traditionally targeted school learners and the home schooling environment, can add adult education and corporate training to its offering.
Jackie Carroll, CEO of Media Works, says the deal enables the company to grow into new markets, while also being in the same family as Impaq, CAMI, Tuta-Me and the broader PSG family.
There are no staff changes as a result of the deal, says Media Works.
The Media Works leadership team will remain in place, with the company's founders Carroll and development director Dennis Lamberti continuing in their respective positions.
"FutureLearn has spent significant time and resources over the past few years in establishing technology solutions that can be used in any learning environment," says FutureLearn CEO Stefan Botha.
"These solutions include an integrated online learning platform, e-learning and video content, the CAMI practice software platform, tutor interaction and management platforms (including Tuta-me), and various software systems that were developed to provide assessment and administrative services to distance learning clients.
"Media Works also already uses technology in the learning environment, such as learner management and course delivery systems, video content and other online learning solutions.
"We believe the combination of these resources and expertise will provide an even more compelling offering, including technology solutions, to support learning in any environment, from schools and home education, to adult learning and corporate training."
To illustrate, Botha says both firms provide Grade 12 solutions, Impaq's National Senior Certificate and Matric Works' Amended Senior Certificate, which use complementary content, technology platforms and learning systems.
Despite having traditionally focused on different markets, the organisations overlap when it comes to using software and similar curriculum content.
FutureLearn, for instance, offers Grade 12-level content for schoolchildren, while Media Works provides the Amended Senior Certificate for adults, which is a Grade 12 equivalent.
"Combining these will unlock significant value. Furthermore, FutureLearn has access to vast amounts of educational content which can enhance the offering of Media Works. An example would be the maths content held by FutureLearn's CAMI Mathematics offering, which will be made available to Media Works' adult learners."
Share