GFH Financial Group (GFH) said that it, alongside its strategic partners, has acquired the AMA International University-Bahrain (AMAIUB), building the Group’s local and regional education portfolio currently valued at USD250 million.
The transaction, valued in excess of USD100 million, will see GFH assume the lead in the management of the University on behalf of its partners, leveraging its strong and long-standing track record and experience in the sector.
Commenting on this, Group Chief Executive Officer Hisham Al Rayes said: "We are delighted to announce the acquisition of AMA International University-Bahrain by GFH and our partners."
He described this as "a strategic investment in a world-class institution that continues to rapidly build its position as one of the Kingdom’s and region’s top university destinations for both undergraduate and post-graduate studies.”
Rayes went on saying that "Investment in the education sector, among the fastest-growing the GCC region today, forms one of the key pillars of our strategy and we are focused on continuing to diversify and strengthen our portfolio with the addition of unique assets, like AMAIUB, to which we can apply our deep investment and operational know-how to deliver further growth and value for all stakeholders."
With this investment and our management of the University, we will work closely with the administration, staff, and students in order to help accelerate AMAUIB’s ability to meet and maximize its vast potential."
According to him, this includes adding resources and expertise that would further enhance the university's offering and capacity and raise the bar of international standards of higher education in the region.