The Indian EdTech company makes its first international acquisition as it looks to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia.
Indian education technology company Imarticus Learning has acquired Singapore-based BELLS Institute of Higher Learning in a transaction valued at approximately ₹800 crore. The deal marks Imarticus Learning’s first international acquisition and gives the company a direct presence in Singapore’s higher education and professional learning market.
The acquisition comes as Indian EdTech companies increasingly look beyond the domestic market for opportunities in professional education, workforce development, and tech-led learning. For Imarticus, Singapore is expected to serve as a base for its broader expansion across Southeast Asia.
The focus now shifts towards regional workforce development.
Imarticus Learning has traditionally focused on professional education, particularly in areas such as finance and industry-oriented learning. BELLS offers a broader portfolio spanning enterprise learning, artificial intelligence, data analytics, technology, and workforce development.
The Singapore-based institution also has established relationships with government-linked programmes and enterprises in the region, including SkillsFuture Singapore. These connections could provide Imarticus with access to established workforce development networks as it evaluates further opportunities in Southeast Asian markets. The combined business is expected to have more than 1,100 employees working across more than 25 offices in India and Singapore.
Legal firms advise on cross-border transactions.
The acquisition also involved several law firms, reflecting the legal complexity of a transaction spanning India and Singapore. IC RegFin Legal advised Imarticus Learning on structuring the transaction and preparing and executing the relevant documents. Partner VartikaKoolwal and senior associate SaketPawar led the legal team.
Pioneer Legal instructed Singapore-based Withers KhattarWong for the Singapore aspects of the transaction. Ashurst Perkins Coie represented BELLS Institute of Higher Learning. Withers KhattarWong separately confirmed that it advised Imarticus on Singapore law matters in the acquisition.
The acquisition positions Singapore as an important part of Imarticus Learning’s international expansion strategy. Rather than being limited to an entry into a new education market, the transaction provides a platform from which the company can explore opportunities across Southeast Asia.
