Education companies now on same wavelength

Cognition Education operates in 23 countries and its chief executive, Terry Bates, said he was looking forward to incorporating Wavelength's team and programmes into the business. Photo / Thinkstock

New Zealand-based international education company Cognition Education is buying online learning company Wavelength for an undisclosed sum.

The two companies work in similar sectors, with Cognition Education focusing on face-to-face training for teachers and Wellington-based Wavelength specialising in training for companies and government organisations through e-learning and digital training.

Wavelength general manager Craig Duker said the company had been looking for a buyer and the timing was right to sell the business.

"It's a great company but to really grow and prosper it needed a new injection of direction and energy," Duker said. "For some time we have been looking for a potential purchaser who would allow us to remain in charge while aligning with our own values of being commercially successful by being the very best at what we do and giving back to the communities in which we live."

Details of the deal were commercially sensitive but Duker said he was happy with the sale to Cognition, saying it was more about the right value fit for the company than the money.

Cognition Education operates in 23 countries and its chief executive, Terry Bates, said he was looking forward to incorporating Wavelength's team and programmes into the business.

"We are very strong in the education sector and Wavelength has great presence and profile in the corporate sector, so the two companies complement each other very well," Bates said.

Duker said the acquisition would also provide opportunities for Wavelength to expand its portfolio and client base as well as the scope of its work.

"This is a win-win for both companies."

Wavelength would continue to operate as normal with all 16 staff retained.