Established in 1982, CATC is a leading vocational education and training provider of Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses in graphic design, interior decoration and design, visual merchandising and multimedia. The college operates from an extensive campus network in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Surfers Paradise.
“We are delighted to have CATC join the Think: Education Group. The college’s broad portfolio of industry-relevant, nationally-accredited design courses has helped it build an excellent industry reputation and national profile. Furthermore, CATC’s extensive distance learning programs align well with our significant investment in flexible and online learning,” says Mark Rohald, Group CEO of Think: Education Group.
“The CATC brand and its specialisation in vocational design education strongly complements Think’s Billy Blue College of Design, which concentrates on higher education for the design industry.
“Now, as part of Think, CATC will have access to a larger support team and infrastructure to provide further opportunities for its students, graduates and staff. CATC’s dedicated management team will continue to work with Think to ensure their outstanding design education knowledge and experience is retained,” Mr Rohald explains.
“A portfolio of new programs will soon be launched and delivered across CATC campuses nationally,” Mr Rohald adds.
Heath Fitzpatrick, head of CATC in Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, says the acquisition will allow CATC to achieve further growth and provide greater opportunity for its students and graduates.
“Starting as a family-run business, we have built CATC to a point where it is now ready to take on significant growth. In our discussions with Think, it became clear to us that the Group has the expertise and investment capability to take CATC to the next stage; supporting and realising its potential.
“Culturally, Think and its colleges share CATC’s commitment to delivering exceptional graduate outcomes through teaching excellence and industry engagement,” explains Mr Fitzpatrick.
Geraldine Van Os, Principal of CATC in Sydney, says joining Think: Education Group will provide a pathway for students to transition from vocational to higher education.
“We are delighted to be part of Think: Education Group and in particular look forward to a close relationship with Billy Blue. Our students will now have access to a seamless transition from vocational to higher education and an extended industry network.
“The relationship will also allow CATC to expand our programs and delivery channels, as we work closely with Think to launch new courses and establish a wider national network of campuses,” says Ms Van Os.
The existing management of CATC will remain and will be supported by the wider Think Group services team.
April 2008
Chester Capital acquires share in SmartBrands Pty Ltd
Chester Capital recently acquired a 50% share in SmartBrands Pty Ltd, a company developing a proprietary brand of consumer goods for distribution, predominantly through mass merchants and buying groups. SmartBrands currently has a number of products on range in stores in these channels.
March 2008
Think: Education Group drives growth with acquisition of APM Training Institute
Leading marketing, public relations and event management education specialist acquired by Think: Education Group
- Think: Education Group to expand offerings and industry links
- Plans to introduce degrees and access to FEE-HELP for APM
- Acquisition latest step in the establishment of Think: Education as Australia’s leading private education group
As part of its growth and expansion strategy, Think: Education Group announced today its acquisition of the APM Training Institute.
Sydney-based APM is a leading specialist provider of marketing, public relations and event management education. Founded in 1987, APM has experienced significant growth through the provision of accredited courses approved by key industry bodies.
For the Think:Education Group, APM represents the latest in a series of planned acquisitions, which commenced with the acquisition of the Billy Blue Group of education and training companies in November 2006. The company plans to establish Australia’s leading private education and training group.
After leading the organisation for ten years, APM’s Executive Director Alan Kuczynski will continue to work with Think: Education in a consulting capacity. Paul Dumble, currently APM’s General Manager, will take the lead in managing the business.
Mark Rohald, Think: Education’s CEO, and Anthony Böhm, director of Think:Education and CEO of the Billy Blue Group will join the board of APM.
Mark Rohald, CEO of Think: Education, said APM was a natural choice to join the Think: Education stable.
“APM has firmly established itself as one of the leading vocational training organisations and Think: Education saw the potential to expand APM’s offerings with the addition of degree courses and FEE-HELP. In addition, APM’s marketing and media specialties are a good fit with our existing expertise in multimedia and creative communications.”
Outgoing APM Executive Director Alan Kuczynski said:
“Think: Education is able to provide extensive expertise in compliance and accreditation, back office systems and human and financial resources - all of which are required to help drive our growth going forward. Their experience in the area of Higher Education will be important to the future growth and development of APM.
“Through their ownership of the Billy Blue Group, we see tremendous synergies both from an educational and a commercial perspective. In the future, our students will have a far greater range of courses to choose from and access to group-wide facilities to enhance their learning experience. Think: Education shares a similar vision, in particular, a commitment to delivering exceptional graduate outcomes through teaching excellence.”
Mr Rohald added: “The acquisition of APM marks an important milestone in achieving our stated objective of becoming Australia’s leading private education group. By bringing Billy Blue and APM into the Think: Education Group, we have made significant progress towards achieving our strategic objective of consolidating high quality education providers in the media, creative and communications education space.
“It is our intention to retain all of APM’s dedicated team who have been a critical factor in its success to date, and who have created its unique and dynamic culture. In addition, we will be working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure our offerings reflect their constantly evolving needs. At a group level, there are already new programs in development which will only add to APM’s already excellent reputation.
“The introduction of degrees and FEE-HELP in our other colleges has led to considerable growth. Our ability to leverage our higher education resources and expertise significantly enhances the growth opportunities of APM. Furthermore, there are extensive operational synergies between APM and our other operations.”
Currently, APM offers accredited Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs in Marketing, Public Relations, Event Management, Sports Management, Entertainment and Music Management, Advertising and Digital & Interactive Marketing. For more information, please contact: Mark Rohald, 0433 166 949 Susan Redden Makatoa, 0403 870 383
October 2007
SEEK Limited Investment In Think: Education Group
SEEK Limited (ASX : SEK) announced today that it has agreed to acquire a 50% interest in Think: Education Pty Ltd, a leading private education group in Australia.
SEEK will pay a total of $37.5m for the 50% stake, comprising $17.5m for the purchase of shares from the existing shareholders, and $20m as subscription for new shares. The subscription monies will be used to pay down debt and fund further acquisitions. The investment is expected to have a neutral impact on earnings per share in FY08 as Think: Education consolidates its acquisitions and invests in building internal capabilities.
The Think: Education investment represents a further expansion of SEEK’s activities in the training and education market, which include SEEK Learning and 50% ownership of IDP Education Pty Ltd. It also reinforces SEEK’s position as a partner of choice for education and training companies in Australia.
Andrew Bassat, Joint Chief Executive of SEEK said: “We are very excited by this opportunity as we see the Think: Education business as highly complementary to our SEEK Learning operation. The partnership between SEEK and the current Think: Education shareholders will bring together a group of high quality education companies with the marketing, sales, technology and business development expertise that has made SEEK and SEEK Learning a success.
“Think: Education has a strong board and management team and has done an excellent job of making strategic acquisitions and improving the operations of these businesses. We expect that the addition of significant capital plus our ability to add value to Think: Education through our own expertise and experience will ensure that Think: Education becomes an even more formidable player in what is an extremely exciting and large market.
“SEEK has for some time been looking for opportunities to take large stakes in quality education providers as a means of leveraging the knowledge we have developed through SEEK Learning. We are delighted to have found an opportunity to make an important investment in this area.”
Robert Gavshon, Think: Education Chairman said: "We are thrilled at this new partnership, which follows a year of extraordinary growth for Think: Education. It was imperative for us that any potential partner share our approach to building quality private education operations, and Seek certainly fits the bill. We have a superb management team, lead by Mark Rohald and Anthony Bohm, and given our track record to date, and the reach and expertise which Seek will bring to our company, we are confident that Think: Education will soon become the dominant force in private education in Australia.
About SEEK Limited:
seek.com.au currently hosts about two thirds of all online ads, equating to approximately 60% of all Internet and newspaper job ads in Australia. In any given month, over 190,000 job advertisements are posted on the SEEK website and approximately 2.3 million jobseekers lodge over 1 million job applications.
About SEEK Learning:
SEEK Learning is a division of SEEK Limited and is fast becoming the destination to find and commence career-related training and education. SEEK has formed several strategic partnerships with organisations including Open Universities Australia, Open Training & Education Network (TAFE NSW), Skillsoft and leading industry educators to provide both distance-based and classroom education that suits working adults
October 2007
MEDIA RELEASE
New Optical Brand Sets Sights On National Reach
MBF Australia and Blink Optical Pty Ltd today announced a joint venture agreement to establish a new national retail chain of optical stores.
The aim is to initially build the joint venture optical chain to more than 30 stores nationwide with an enhanced offering and outstanding customer experience to both MBF and non-MBF customers.
MBF and Blink Optical noted that the stores will be located in areas of high optometry usage and where ready access to optical services is needed. The enhanced offerings would also be available at other Blink Optical or related outlets that are separate to the joint venture retail stores. Blink aims to establish more than 100 locations.
MBF Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eric Dodd, said the joint venture was in line with MBF’s business strategy of providing trusted health and financial solutions to its customers.
“The joint venture is a great combination of MBF’s record in looking after the needs of customers and Blink’s experience and expertise in the optical market,” Mr Dodd said.
“This combination provides an excellent management structure that will provide our customers with improved products and services tailored to their needs.”
“We plan to grow the joint venture brand through acquisitions and new store openings with the goal of having a substantial network of stores by June 2008.”
“The MBF-Blink joint venture will add a competitive and viable alternative in the Australian optical market. Optical customers will come to expect and receive superior service and excellent value for money.”
Colin Kangisser, Blink Optical Chief Executive Officer and a registered optometrist, welcomed the joint venture.
Mr Kangisser said it would enhance the Blink Optical model of seeking partnerships with optical professionals including optometrists and optical dispensers.
“Optical professionals are central to the way we plan to build this business and brand,” Mr Kangisser said.
“While we can bring our skills in product sourcing to the table to ensure great deals for customers, we recognise the importance of one-on-one professional care.”
“A key element of the joint venture is to support each store with enhanced IT management processes, accounting, administration and marketing to enable the best in customer care.”
“We are thrilled to be in a joint venture with a company of MBF’s great standing. Blink is excited by the opportunities that will now flow from this business relationship.”
Contacts: MBF – David Jones MBF Public Affairs 0417 232 246
Blink Optical - Colin Kangisser: 0411 759 995
About MBF:
MBF is Australia's largest, non-government private health insurer with almost 800,000 policyholders. MBF provides private health insurance throughout Australia and is the number one or two private health insurer in Queensland, NSW, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. In addition to its core private health insurance business MBF Group offers life and travel insurance as well as financial planning services through ClearView Retirement Solutions. About Blink Optical Blink Optical operates retail optical outlets in Chatswood, Bondi, Broadway, St Ives, Paddington and Newcastle in NSW. Blink Optical also partners with established businesses with strong growth potential, such as Kevin Paisley Eyewear in Victoria and South Australia. Prior to forming Blink Optical, CEO Colin Kangisser, a registered optometrist, founded and built the Kays Optical brand to include 38 stores.www.blinkoptical.com.au
October 2007
Think: Education Acquires Jansen Newman Institute
Today the Think: Education Group announced the acquisition of the Jansen Newman Institute (JNI).
- Founded by Dr David Jansen and Margaret Newman in 1979, JNI is one of Sydney’s premier colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the
burgeoning field of counselling and psychotherapy.
- The Institute offers training and an extensive range of counselling and psychotherapy services at clinics in St Leonards and ten other locations in Sydney and
Wollongong.
- For Think: Education, JNI represents the fifth acquisition in less than 12 months.
This announcement follows closely on the Group’s acquisition last week of the Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT) – an iconic Sydney institution in healthcare, wellness and beauty.
The acquisition of JNI and ACNT represents a strategic move by Think: Education into the high growth health and wellness sector.
Mark Rohald, CEO of Think: Education, said JNI was an excellent addition to the Group:
“We are delighted to welcome the Jansen Newman Institute. JNI has developed an unparalleled reputation for excellence in the delivery of higher education programs in counselling and psychotherapy.
Now, as part of Think: Education, JNI will have access to a greater range of opportunities for students, staff and organisational development. We look forward to working with the dedicated team at JNI which has been a critical factor in its success to date.”
Margaret Newman, co-founder of the Institute, said that Think: Education was the ideal organisation to take JNI to the next level:
“In our discussions with the Think: Education Group, it became clear to us that they share a similar vision for the Institute – in particular, our commitment to delivering exceptional graduate outcomes through teaching excellence and engaging with our profession. The Think: Education executive team brings both passion for education and deep business experience to the Institute and the ability to help it grow further.”
Currently, JNI offers a Bachelor of Counselling and Human Change, a Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Psychotherapy as well as a range of short courses for counseling professionals.
October 2007
MEDIA RELEASE
ACNT Joins Think: Education Group
Think: Education Group acquires Australasian Colledge
- Australasian College of Natural Therapies joins Australia’s leading education group
- Fourth acquisition in 12 months for innovative education investment group
- Think: Education Group to drive growth through new programs; focus on higher education
Australasian College of Natural Therapies (ACNT) is set to enter a new era of growth and expansion with the announcement today of its acquisition by education investment company Think: Education.
Sydney icon ACNT is one of Australia’s best known education providers, offering courses in healthcare, beauty and fitness. ACNT also operates a popular student clinic and retail division from its extensive campus in Surry Hills, Sydney. Founded in 1982 by Frieda and Peter Bielik, this is the first time ACNT has changed hands, with the new management planning to expand the college’s offerings and introduce bachelor degrees.
For the Think: Education Group, ACNT represents the fourth acquisition in less than 12 months. Think: Education has established one of Australia’s leading private education and training groups through the acquisition, growth and development of high-quality education businesses. Over 2,500 students now study within the Think: Education Group in Sydney.
In November 2006, Think: Education acquired the iconic Billy Blue group of colleges and in May 2007 acquired APM Training Institute. The Group also owns the Graduate Institute of Management and Technology, which is the Australian partner of Edinburgh Business School, the Graduate School of Business of Heriot Watt University (Scotland). Edinburgh Business School operates the world’s second largest online MBA program.
The directors of Think: Education Group include Robert Gavshon (Chairman), Mark Rohald, Anthony Böhm, Milton Levine and Sam Linz. The operating executives of Think: Education include Mr Rohald, a co-founder and Director of Educor, a global listed education group, and Mr Bohm, former Vice President of US education giant Kaplan Inc. Mr Linz and Mr Gavshon are best known as the co-founders of Rebel Sports and Barbeques Galore. Mr Levine is Chairman of Chester Finance Group.
After leading the organisation for four years, ACNT’s Managing Director Danny Bielik will move into a consulting role with the Think: Education Group. Mark Rohald, CEO of Think: Education and Jenny Jenkins, Head of William Blue School of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Management will take over day-to-day management of ACNT while the Group recruits a new college director.
Mark Rohald, CEO of Think: Education, said ACNT was an ideal addition to the Think: Education Group:
“We are delighted to welcome ACNT, which has an unmatched reputation in the wellness and spa industries. Over the past 25 years, ACNT has developed a portfolio of world-class programs and established itself as an education icon. Now, as part of the Think: Education Group, ACNT will have access to a greater range of opportunities for students, staff and and organisational development. This is a platform asset which will provide us with tremendous opportunities in the healthcare space going forward.
“We will retain ACNT’s dedicated team which has been a critical factor in its success to date. In addition, we will be working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure our offerings reflect their constantly evolving needs. There are already new programs in development which will only add to ACNT’s already excellent reputation.”
Frieda Bielik, founder of ACNT, said that Think:Education was the right company to take the College to the next level:
“In our discussions with Think: Education, it became clear to us that they share a similar vision for ACNT – in particular, our commitment to delivering exceptional graduate outcomes through teaching excellence and engaging with our professions. The new executive team brings both passion for education and deep business experience to ACNT, and the ability to help it grow further.”
Currently, ACNT offers Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses in areas such as naturopathy, homeopathy, remedial massage, nutrition, western herbal medicine, beauty therapy, spa therapy and fitness. Plans are currently underway for the development of a suite of new programs, including bachelor degree programs.Mr Rohald concluded:
“We are pleased with the current direction of the Think: Education Group and we intend further expansion through acquisition and organic growth.”
June 2007
Chester Capital Pty Ltd acquires share in Blink Optical Pty Ltd
Chester Capital has acquired a 50% share in Blink Optical Pty Ltd, which operates predominantly as a retail eye-care specialist in Australia. Blink now has 33 stores with different partners in the optical industry, 17 of which are part of a joint venture with the second largest private medical health fund in Australia, MBF. The stores are located in areas where there is a high concentration of MBF members. Blink is continuing with an expansion plan to open and acquire more stores.Blink Optical CEO, Colin Kangisser, a registered optomitrist, is the founder and builder of the Kays Optical brand, now comprising 38 stores.
May 2007
Think: Education Group acquires APM Training Institute
Think: Education Group drives growth with acquisition of APM Training Institute
- Leading marketing, public relations and event management education specialist acquired by Think: Education Group
- Think: Education Group to expand offerings and industry links
- Plans to introduce degrees and access to FEE-HELP for APM
- Acquisition latest step in the establishment of Think: Education Group as Australia’s leading private education group
As part of its growth and expansion strategy, Think: Education Group announced today its acquisition of the APM Training Institute.
Sydney-based APM is a leading specialist provider of marketing, public relations and event management education.
Founded in 1987, APM has experienced significant growth through the provision of accredited courses approved by key industry bodies.
For Think: Education Group, APM represents the latest in a series of planned acquisitions, which commenced with the acquisition of the Billy Blue group of education and training companies in November 2006. The company plans to establish Australia’s leading private education and training group.
After leading the organisation for ten years, APM’s Executive Director Alan Kuczynski will continue to work with Think: Education Group in a consulting capacity. Paul Dumble, currently APM’s General Manager, will take the lead in managing the business.
Mark Rohald, Think: Education Group's CEO, and Anthony Böhm, director of Think: Education Group and CEO of the Billy Blue Group will join the board of APM.
Mark Rohald, CEO of Think: Education Group, said APM was a natural choice to join the Think: Education Group stable.
“APM has firmly established itself as one of the leading vocational training organisations and Think: Education Group saw the potential to expand APM’s offerings with the addition of degree courses and FEE-HELP. In addition, APM’s marketing and media specialties are a good fit with our existing expertise in multimedia and creative communications.”
Outgoing APM Executive Director Alan Kuczynski said: “Think: Education Group is able to provide extensive expertise in compliance and accreditation, back office systems and human and financial resources - all of which are required to help drive our growth going forward. Their experience in the area of Higher Education will be important to the future growth and development of APM.
“Through their ownership of the Billy Blue Group, we see tremendous synergies both from an educational and a commercial perspective. In the future, our students will have a far greater range of courses to choose from and access to group-wide facilities to enhance their learning experience. Think: Education Group shares a similar vision, in particular, a commitment to delivering exceptional graduate outcomes through teaching excellence.”
Mr Rohald added: “The acquisition of APM marks an important milestone in achieving our stated objective of becoming Australia’s leading private education group. By bringing Billy Blue and APM into the Think: Education Group, we have made significant progress towards achieving our strategic objective of consolidating high quality education providers in the media, creative and communications education space.
“It is our intention to retain all of APM’s dedicated team who have been a critical factor in its success to date, and who have created its unique and dynamic culture. In addition, we will be working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure our offerings reflect their constantly evolving needs. At a group level, there are already new programs in development which will only add to APM’s already excellent reputation.
“The introduction of degrees and FEE-HELP in our other colleges has led to considerable growth. Our ability to leverage our higher education resources and expertise significantly enhances the growth opportunities of APM. Furthermore, there are extensive operational synergies between APM and our other operations.”
Currently, APM offers accredited Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs in Marketing, Public Relations, Event Management, Sports Management, Entertainment and Music Management, Advertising and Digital & Interactive Marketing.
For more information, please contact: Mark Rohald, 0433 166 949 Susan Redden Makatoa, 0403 870 383
May 2007
MEDIA RELEASE
Leading online directories get private equity boost
Two of Australia’s most popular online directories are set to expand with a new investment from finance and equity firm Chester Capital Pty Ltd.
NaturalTherapyPages.com.au and HomeImprovementPages.com.au
are among Australia’s most popular specialist directories, with more than 250,000 and 200,000 unique visitors respectively each month. The sites, which list more than 20,000 businesses, are run by Sydney company Viteknologies Pty Ltd.
Under the terms of the investment, Chester Capital’s Chairman, Milton Levine, and CEO Robert Gavshon will join the company’s board, with Mr Gavshon taking up the Chairman’s role.
Viteknologies CEO and founder David Vitek said the investment deal opened new doors for the company:
“Our sites have grown strongly – we have secured thousands of business clients with our cost-effective rates and marketing support services. We have created a win –win situation by providing small business with greater leveraged marketing power on one hand and providing consumers great access to services that are in high demand right across Australia on the other.
“We now have the expertise and backing of Chester Capital to help us reach the next level. Viteknologies will be expanding our expert team, moving into new regions and branching out into different specialty areas,” said Mr Vitek.
Chester Capital CEO, Robert Gavshon said:
"We are pleased to be partnering with Viteknologies, a young and dynamic company with enormous potential. Chester Capital has the resources and expertise to provide capital and hands-on management support support to companies with real growth opportunities.
“In Viteknologies we see a dedicated team and a successful business model, which has the ability to continually generate new traffic. Viteknologies has cornered a significant portion of the market in the very popular sectors natural therapies and home improvements and, with Chester’s backing, it is set for expansion,” Mr Gavshon said.
About Viteknologies
Natural Therapy Pages was established by David Vitek in 2004 and in the same year was joined by Robert Sharon-Zipser to form Home Improvement Pages and Viteknologies. Viteknologies has since become a leading provider on online directory services. Based in Sydney and currently employing a 35-strong team, Viteknologies empowers consumers to research and connect with service providers in their local area naturaltheapypages.com.au and homeimprovementpages.com.au.
About Chester Capital
Chester Capital Pty Ltd is a subsidiary of the Chester Finance Group, an international trade and private investment firm, which takes equity positions in companies with growth potential. The firm provides capital and hands-on executive involvement to enable businesses to expand and develop. Its directors include Milton Levine and Robert Gavshon. Mr. Gavshon is best known as a co-founder of Rebel Sports and Executive Director and shareholder of Barbeques Galore.
January 2007
Billy Blue Education Group- New CEO appointed
Anthony Bohm (former Kaplan Inc. executive), appointed CEO of the Billy Blue Education Group and a Director of the Think: Education Group.
January 2007
Chester Capital Pty Ltd acquires interest in Think: Education Group
Chester Capital Pty Ltd acquires controlling interest in Think: Education Group Pty Ltd , a company dedicated to developing private education opportunities. Mark Rohald brings a wealth of educational experience as CEO of Think:Education.
November 2007
Think: Education Group acquires Billy Blue Education Group
The Think: Education Group, a subsidiary of Chester Capital Pty Ltd, has just acquired 100% of the Billy Blue Education Group in Sydney.
November 2006
Chester Capital Pty Ltd - CEO appointed
Robert Gavshon appointed CEO of Chester Capital Pty Ltd, supported by Milton Levine, Larry Levine and Lewis Freidus as members of the Board.