Global Educational Services Provider Kaplan Acquires Stake in Vietnam's BrightStar English Language Training Centers

Business Wire, Jan 7, 2009

NEW YORK -- Kaplan, Inc., a leading global provider of educational services for individuals, schools and businesses, announced today that it has acquired an interest in BrightStar, an established Vietnamese company that offers English-language instruction and helps Vietnamese students prepare for international studies abroad.

The name BrightStar reflects the emphasis the company places on innovative teaching methods and its aim of making its students bright shining stars in their education endeavors.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Can Tho City, BrightStar operates six centers, where it has been providing English language training to Vietnamese students interested in pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies overseas. Many of BrightStar's students go on to study in Singapore, among other locations outside of Vietnam. Enrollment is primarily from high school students, but also includes younger students as well as working adults seeking professional training opportunities at international institutes or universities.

BrightStar centers are located in Can Tho, Vinh Long, Long Xuyen and Rach Gia--all cities located in the Mekong Delta region. Facilities are also operated in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai. The company has about 70 full-time employees.

In addition to English language training targeted at various student levels, BrightStar helps students prepare for overseas placement as well as student and teacher exchange programs.

"We are excited to expand our presence in Vietnam through this investment in BrightStar," said Mark Coggins, President of Kaplan Asia Pacific. "Kaplan's experience in higher education has earned us a reputation for quality curriculum and programs worldwide tailored to individual students' needs and aspirations."

"Kaplan's investment with us demonstrates the international standards to which BrightStar conducts its programs. Our students and their parents can be assured of a quality education and preparedness for successful advanced studies," said Mrs. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, BrightStar's General Director.

About Kaplan, Inc.

Kaplan is a world leader in education, serving more than one million students annually in 600 locations in more than 30 countries. Kaplan's programs include higher and professional education, language instruction, test preparation for professional licensing and university and graduate admissions exams, and services to elementary/secondary students and schools. Kaplan, which had 2007 revenue of $2 billion, is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information, please visit www.kaplan.com.

About BrightStar

BrightStar is recognized as the leading international education and training company for the Mekong Delta. The company focuses on English language training, corporate and IT office skills training and the preparation and placement of local students with leading overseas education institutions.