Latest news with #Taaleem
Zawya
6 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Taaleem acquires GCC-focused KFG to expand network
Dubai – Taaleem Holdings has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 95% shareholding in Kids First Group Limited (KFG), an early-learning premium education provider in the GCC. The acquisition is expected to boost Taaleem's expansion into the high-growth early-learning segment, offering accretion to both earnings and cash flow, according to a press release. KFG manages a diversified network of 34 nurseries in areas close to business districts and within residential districts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. It serves more than 5,000 students across multiple leading brands. Subject to regulatory approvals and other pre-completion conditions, the transaction will be fully self-funded through a mix of equity and debt. It is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter (Q4) of Taaleem's financial year (FY)2024/25. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, commented: 'This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem's growth strategy. By expanding further into the early-learning education segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K-12 education.' Kamil Najjar, Founder and CEO of KFG, said: 'Together, KFG and Taaleem are committed to setting a new benchmark in early childhood education - preparing children to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, and ensuring they benefit from holistic, world-class learning environments from their earliest years' All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Taaleem gets into early-learning sector with 95% stake acquisition in KFG
UAE's education provider Taaleem Holdings is expanding into the rapidly growing early-learning sector, complementing its existing portfolio of K-12 schools by acquiring a 95 per cent stake in Kids First Group Limited (KFG). KFG is a leading early-learning education provider in the GCC, which operates 34 centrally located nurseries in areas close to business districts and within residential districts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. It currently serves more than 5,000 students across multiple leading brands and offers four curricula at various price points, enabling the company to offer tailored education solutions that caters to a broad segment of the market. Taaleem expands into early-learning sector The acquisition, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter following regulatory approvals, is expected to deliver a value-accretive expansion for the UAE-listed education provider into the high-growth early-learning segment, offering immediate accretion to both earnings and cashflow. It will be fully self-funded through a mix of equity and debt. Exact financial details of the acquisition were not provided. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Taaleem, commented: 'This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem's growth strategy. By expanding further into the early-learning education segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K-12 education. 'Kids First Group's proven track record and diverse network of leading nurseries, which receive strong recognition and demand amongst parents, strongly complement our existing market-leading portfolio, while further diversifying Taaleem's offering. This strategic move reinforces our defensive positioning and our commitment to scalable, high-quality education in the region.' Following the completion of the acquisition, KFG will be run as a standalone vertical within Taaleem's portfolio, with the existing management, including the company's founder – Kamil Najjar, who continues as a shareholder with a 5 per cent stake, working with Taaleem's Board of Directors. Najjar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KFG, added: 'Since its inception, KFG has been built for one unwavering purpose: the well-being and development of the KFG individual child. For over 14 years, this singular mission has guided the Group's growth and success. 'Today marks an exciting new chapter in KFG's journey. Taaleem's strong educational legacy will enable both organisations to enhance educational standards and accelerate the growth of premium early-learning centres. Together, KFG and Taaleem are committed to setting a new benchmark in early childhood education – preparing children to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, and ensuring they benefit from holistic, world-class learning environments from their earliest years.'
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Taaleem to acquire Kids First Group a leading GCC early-learning education provider
KFG operates a portfolio of highly reputed brands including Redwood Montessori Nursery, Odyssey Nursery, Willow Children's Nursery, Ladybird and Children's Oasis offering four different curricula through 34 nurseries in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha catering to more than 5,000 students, with potential for further growth across the portfolio. This transaction is in line with Taaleem's disciplined and value-driven approach in deploying capital and is expected to contribute strong cashflows to the Group and be financially accretive to Taaleem shareholders. Post-acquisition, KFG will operate as a standalone vertical within Taaleem's portfolio. Mr. Kamil Najjar, the Founder and 5% shareholder of KFG, will oversee the future growth of the group. As CEO, Mr. Najjar and the current management team will continue to leverage their operational expertise and strong track record of successfully growing the portfolio. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in Q4 of Taaleem's financial year 2024/25. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Taaleem Holdings PJSC (the "Group" or "Taaleem"), a leading provider of K-12 premium education in the UAE, today announced that it has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement ('SPA') to acquire 95% shareholding in Kids First Group Limited ('KFG'), a leading early-learning premium education provider in the GCC. KFG complements Taaleem's highly sought-after K-12 offering with KFG's network of top-rated premium nurseries. The acquisition is expected to deliver a value-accretive expansion for Taaleem into the high-growth early-learning segment, offering immediate accretion to both earnings and cashflow. KFG operates a diversified network of 34 centrally located nurseries with premium positioning in areas close to business districts and within residential districts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. It currently serves more than 5,000 students across multiple leading brands. KFG offers four curricula at various price points, enabling the company to offer a tailored education offering that caters to a broad segment of the market. The business is cashflow accretive from day one. KFG offers a unique opportunity for Taaleem to acquire a 'plug-and-play' platform with an impressive track record of delivering and managing high-growth. The transaction is in line with Taaleem's disciplined and value-driven approach in deploying capital. The acquisition will be fully self-funded through a mix of equity and debt and is expected to complete in Q4 of Taaleem's financial year 2024/25, subject to regulatory approvals and other pre-completion conditions. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Taaleem, said: 'This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem's growth strategy. By expanding further into the early-learning education segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K-12 education. Kids First Group's proven track record and diverse network of leading nurseries, which receive strong recognition and demand amongst parents, strongly complement our existing market-leading portfolio, while further diversifying Taaleem's offering. This strategic move reinforces our defensive positioning and our commitment to scalable, high-quality education in the region.' Philippe Tapié, Chief Executive Officer of People & Baby Group, said: 'We are very proud to have partnered with Kamil Najjar and of what Kids First Group has accomplished over the years, building a trusted network of premium nurseries that place children's development and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. As long-standing custodians of KFG, it is a privilege to now entrust its future to Taaleem, one of the region's most respected and forward-looking education providers. We are confident that KFG's legacy will flourish under Taaleem's stewardship and remain thankful to the families, educators, and partners who have supported this journey to date.' Kamil Najjar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KFG, said: 'Since its inception, KFG has been built for one unwavering purpose: the well-being and development of the KFG individual child. For over 14 years, this singular mission has guided the Group's growth and success. Today marks an exciting new chapter in KFG's journey. Taaleem's strong educational legacy will enable both organisations to enhance educational standards and accelerate the growth of premium early-learning centres. Together, KFG and Taaleem are committed to setting a new benchmark in early childhood education - preparing children to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, and ensuring they benefit from holistic, world-class learning environments from their earliest years' Following the completion of the acquisition, KFG will be run as a standalone vertical within Taaleem's portfolio, with the existing management, including the company's founder – Kamil Najjar, who continues as a Shareholder with a 5% stake, working with Taaleem's Board of Directors to leverage their deep expertise in the sector and proven track record of delivering sustainable growth and high-quality education. Deloitte Corporate Finance Advisory Limited acted as Financial Adviser and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP acted as Legal Adviser to Taaleem; while Centerview Partners and Linklaters LLP acted as Financial and Legal Advisers respectively to People & Baby Group.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Taaleem signs deal to acquire 95% stake in Kids First Group
19 June 2025 09:38 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Taaleem Holdings, a leading K–12 premium education provider in the UAE and a Dubai Financial Market-listed company, has signed a deal to acquire a 95% stake in Kids First Group Limited (KFG), a prominent early-years education network operating across the a stock market disclosure on Thursday, Taaleem said the acquisition will be funded through a mix of equity and debt and is expected to close by the fourth quarter of its 2024/25 financial year, subject to regulatory approvals. The cost of the transaction was not disclosed in the statement. 'This strategic move reinforces our defensive positioning and our commitment to scalable, high-quality education in the region,' said Alan Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of Taaleem, in the operates over 30 premium nurseries in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha under well-known brands such as Redwood Montessori Nursery, Odyssey Nursery, Willow Children's Nursery, Ladybird Nursery, and Children's Oasis Nursery. The group serves over 5,000 students and employs more than 1,000 said the acquisition allows it to strategically expand into the rapidly growing early learning education sector, complementing its existing portfolio of 32 schools — which includes 10 premium private schools and 22 government-partnership institutions. Its premium schools span international curricula: five IB schools, four British curriculum schools, and one American curriculum to the company, KFG's scalable model and profitability will immediately enhance Taaleem's earnings and cash flow. Post-acquisition, KFG will operate as a standalone vertical within the Taaleem group, with its founder — who retains a 5% stake — continuing as CEO alongside the existing management which was listed on DFM in November 2022, currently has a market capitalisation of Dh3.6 billion. It is indirectly owned by the Government of Dubai, with National Bonds and Knowledge Fund holding stakes of 22.5% and 13.7% respectively. The company said it would hold a dedicated virtual investor call to provide further details on the transaction.
The National
2 days ago
- General
- The National
Three UAE schools named as finalists in global contest
Three UAE schools have been named as finalists in a global contest that highlights institutions for their innovation, environmental awareness, community collaborations and much else. Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, Arbor School in Dubai and Applied Technology Schools – Umm Al Quwain Campus are named in the top 10 in different categories of the World's Best School Prizes. Run by T4 Education, the World's Best School Prizes were founded in 2022 with the aim, organisers say, of sharing 'the best practices of schools that are changing lives in their classrooms and far beyond their walls'. The contest is split into five categories, with DBSJP shortlisted for Community Collaboration, Arbor School for Environmental Education and ATS-UAQ for Innovation. The other categories are Overcoming Adversity and Supporting Healthy Lives, with the winners in each category to be chosen by a judging panel and announced in October. There is an additional Community Choice Award selected by public vote. Along with the other finalists, the three UAE schools will be invited to the World Schools Summit in Abu Dhabi on November 15 and 16, when they will share their experiences with education experts from around the globe. Alan Williamson, chief executive of Taaleem, which runs DBSJP, said the company was 'immensely proud' that the school had 'deservedly' been named as a top 10 finalist. 'This international recognition reflects the outstanding work of the school's dedicated teachers, talented students and highly supportive community,' he said. 'Their unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and inclusion exemplifies the very best of Taaleem's educational values.' DBSJP, which has a kindergarten, primary school and secondary school, has been named as a Community Collaboration finalist for what T4 Education described as 'a community-driven approach that integrates families and the broader community into the learning journey'. This, the competition organisers said, meant every child had 'a personalised pathway to success'. 'Driven by community involvement, the comprehensive model gives equal weight to sports, art and academia to ensure every child is seen and every talent is nurtured,' T4 Education said. 'With academic achievement a primary focus in the region, the role of sports and the arts in shaping personal development has often been neglected and the school sought to address this.' T4 Education praised the school for its inclusivity efforts, especially for children with special needs. Top-class education Arbor School, a kindergarten, primary school and secondary school in Al Furjan, Dubai, secured its place as an Environmental Education finalist for integrating eco-literacy into its curriculum. The aim is to develop children who can tackle real-world problems in areas such as waste reduction and energy efficiency. 'Embedding sustainability, ethical stewardship and environmental education into its learning model was a direct response to the critical role education plays in addressing ecological challenges,' T4 Education said. The school campus has six biodomes, described as 'living laboratories', where pupils can learn in a hands-on way about sustainability, ecosystems and plant cultivation. Pupils have been involved in projects such as the Dubai Oyster Project, for which they worked alongside conservation groups and local restaurants to restore reefs off Dubai, and have their own eco-council, eco-ambassadors and what the school calls eco-influencers. The school has tried to reduce its environmental footprint by cutting waste, conserving energy and having buses powered by biodiesel. ATS-UAQ secured its Innovation finalist spot thanks to a career-focused and project-based curriculum. "This recognition holds deep meaning for our community, where passionate teachers and ambitious students work together each day with the dream to rise, lead, and inspire," said Rasha Diab, vice principal of Applied Technology Schools - UAQ. "Being named among the top 10 most innovative schools globally affirms that with unity, purpose and belief in education, excellence can thrive anywhere. It also reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers and technicians who will lead the UAE's innovative and future-focused industries — a vision that drives all we do at ATS schools." Pupils are prepared for industry through 'clusters', which include workshops, hands-on learning experiences and brainstorming sessions, allowing them to focus on fields such as business, AI, health sciences or education. 'This vocational and technical training, combined with a curriculum that blends core academic subjects, ensures graduates are accepted into top universities and thrive in careers directly related to their chosen cluster,' T4 Education said. Vikas Pota, the founder of T4 Education and the World's Best School Prizes, said a good education 'has never been more important'. 'It is in schools like Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, Arbor School and Applied Technology Schools – Umm Al Quwain Campus where we find the innovations and expertise that give us hope for a better future,' he said. 'Congratulations on becoming finalists for the World's Best School Prizes 2025. Leaders and schools around the world have so much to learn from these inspirational UAE institutions.' T4 Education describes itself as a global platform that brings together more than 200,000 teachers in at least 100 countries, offering professional development and networking.
