CGD inks Bt831m deal on education centre in England

ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/CGD-inks-Bt831m-deal-on-education-centre-in-Englan-30289866.html

INVESTMENT

COUNTRY GROUP Development (CGD) has signed an agreement valued at 18 million pounds (Bt831 million) to invest in an education centre in Brighton, England, with an existing 16-year lease agreement.

The deal represents the Thai company’s first acquisition and penetration into the education sector, after its recent investment in Britain’s data-centre market with Anchorage Point in London.

Brighton, one of the largest cities in southeastern England, is strategically located about 80 kilometres south of London. Highly regarded as a leading centre for higher education, the town consists of two renowned universities (University of Brighton and University of Sussex) and 13 independent schools in close proximity.

In addition to 34,678 registered students, the city hosts and receives a large influx and existing volume of foreign exchange students that is growing year on year.

The freehold property sprawling an impressive 8.19 hectares provides offices, educational and recreational space and accommodation facilitating up to 450 pupils in six principal detached buildings.

The acquisition reflects CGD’s expectation for significant long-term growth in the lucrative education market, which has been a major contributor to England’s national wealth and economic development, contributing four times as much to the United Kingdom’s gross domestic product than agriculture.

With the expanding global economy and growing competitive educational landscape, the UK’s education market is considered to be one of the best in the world. The rapid rise in domestic and international demand for educational services indicates an attractive investment opportunity with significant potential to unlock values of growth, CGD believes.

“We have been interested in key education sectors for quite some time now, and this deal couldn’t have presented itself at a better time. The United Kingdom, and in particular Brighton, ranks amongst the leading destinations for education,” said Ben Taechaubol, chief executive of CGD.

“This investment once again underpins CGD’s commitment to seeking off-market transactions and our ability to unlock values of potential swiftly. I am confident in our capability to progress with speed and agility, as we continue to prioritise and invest in areas the market is moving towards, and align ourselves closely with our shareholders’ needs.”

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