OREANDA-NEWS. ADvTECH announces the acquisition of the Gaborone International School (GIS) in Botswana for BWP70 million (R84 million) subject to approval by the Botswana Competition Authority. 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.

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

GIS currently has 1 800 students, with existing capacity for 2 300 and sufficient space on the campus to build additional classrooms.

Commenting on the proposed acquisition, Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of ADvTECH Group 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 now enables us 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.