USA-based Children's English language course Pingu's English is set to expand in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Linguaphone Group, which owns Pingu's English, has signed franchise agreements that will see Pingu's English programmes established in Singapore, South Africa and Egypt.

Apple Tree Pte Ltd, which has provided kindergarten and playgroup programmes for pre-school children in Singapore for 18 years, has signed as the Pingu's English Master Franchise for Singapore. The company plans to launch the first Pingu's English course in July.

Theo Wessels, an entrepreneur, has been granted the rights to establish Pingu's English in South Africa. He will promote the programme through existing pre-schools, community organisations and bookstores from May onwards, and will target, amongst others, children previously excluded from learning English in South Africa.

Egyptian American Cultural Center (EACC), which has been running adult English language training centres with the Linguaphone Group since 2007, has signed a deal for the exclusive rights to expand Pingu's English across Egypt. The company plans to open its first two Pingu's English Schools in Alexandria and Port Said in May, with more planned across Egypt over the summer.

Derek Price, COO of the Linguaphone Group, said: 'We are delighted that partners from all comers of the globe are responding positively to Pingu's English and joining our expanding family of Linguaphone Group partners. We look forward to working with them and many others in the months and years ahead.'

Published: 10 August 2009

Back to news