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Information provider Pearson is moving into the thriving English-language market in China with the acquisition of two independent school chains: Learning Education Center (LEC) and Dell English.

With more Chinese aspiring to speak English fluently, the international education and information company has snapped up an 80 per cent stake in LEC, a chain of 17 English language schools in Shanghai, for an undisclosed sum.

Pearson also scooped a 50 per cent shareholding in Dell English, which has more than 20 schools in Beijing, for undisclosed terms. Further investment from Pearson is expected over the next three years, which will take its stake to 70 per cent.

LEC and Dell English, which cater to five to 12-year-old budding English speakers in Shanghai and 15 to 35 year-olds in Beijing, will operate under the ‘Learning’ brand. The two English language schools generated sales of some $10 million (£5 million) in 2007 and gross assets totalled $6.2 million (£3.1 million) at the end of 2007.

Marjorie Scardino, Pearson chief executive, said she plans to support the development of both schools by investing in teacher development programmes, assessment services and interactive digital learning programmes.

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