Acquisition

RNS Number : 4277F

Pearson PLC

26 April 2011

 



Press release

PEARSON TO ACQUIRE SCHOOLNET

Brings together proven systems to personalize learning and improve teacher effectiveness

Pearson, the world's leading learning company, is announcing today the acquisition of Schoolnet, a fast-growing and innovative education technology company that aligns assessment, curriculum and other services to help individualize instruction and improve teacher effectiveness.

Schoolnet now serves more than 5 million US pre K-12 students through partnerships with districts and states, supporting about one-third of America's largest urban cities.

Pearson will acquire Schoolnet for $230m in cash.  The company expects the acquisition to be broadly neutral to earnings per share in 2011, including integration costs, and to enhance Pearson's adjusted EPS and return on invested capital in 2012. The agreement is subject to a Hart-Scott-Rodino review.

Schoolnet's data-based solutions will complement Pearson products and services that help boost student achievement through diagnostic tools and tailored instruction. Schoolnet customers will benefit from Pearson's content and information technology such as PowerSchool for student information, AIMSweb for intervention, America's Choice for school improvement services, eCollege for online learning platforms and Family Education Network for parent and teacher education.

Marjorie Scardino, Pearson's chief executive, said: "Being able to offer a connective digital spine for learning has been Pearson's goal for years. Schoolnet has shared our passion, and together we can make that spine more flexible and powerful for schools, teachers and students."

Based in New York City, Schoolnet was founded in 1998 by Jonathan D. Harber and Denis P. Doyle, who developed the Schoolnet instructional management suite to help school systems use data to boost learning.

The Obama administration, through programs such as Race to the Top, supports the use of comprehensive data systems that improve college-readiness. As part of the administration's reform agenda, some $17 billion has been allocated to states and districts to support school improvement.

Jonathan D. Harber, Schoolnet's chief executive, will stay on, along with his senior leadership team, and continue to serve as CEO of Schoolnet and as a senior executive at Pearson. 

"K-12 schools have begun a revolutionary transformation towards evidence-driven instruction to improve student achievement," Harber said. "Personalized learning for students and educators is key to advancing student progress and we are pleased to be joining the Pearson family in this pursuit."

Will Ethridge, chief executive of Pearson North America, said: "We are excited to have Jonathan and the talented Schoolnet team join Pearson.  We see an excellent fit between the capabilities of our two organizations, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to work together to improve learning and accelerate growth."

ENDS

For more information:

Luke Swanson / Simon Mays-Smith / Charles Goldsmith                 [phone]

 

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