Kaplan Closes Acquisition Of College For Financial Planning

The Higher Learning Commission Approves Change of Control Paving Way for Transaction to Close.

La Crosse, WI (July 12, 2018) — Kaplan Professional Education (Kaplan Professional), a unit of global education provider Kaplan, Inc., has closed its transaction with Apollo Education Group, Inc., to acquire the College for Financial Planning (CFFP). The acquisition of CFFP will enhance Kaplan Professional’s leadership role in educating and preparing professionals in the financial services industry globally by expanding its already superb selection of offerings.

The transaction was first announced in December 2017, but required approval of CFFP’s accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, before it could be completed.

CFFP provides financial education and training to individuals through comprehensive programs of study that lead to licensing or certification through individual courses, graduate-level study, and education for professionals pursuing the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) certification. It also offers a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning and a Master of Science in Finance.

“We recognize this acquisition as a win-win for the financial planning field, and for professionals seeking the most cutting-edge and comprehensive financial planning education resources in the nation,” said CFFP President Dirk Pantone. “We are confident that joining with Kaplan Professional will broaden the reach of both organizations and offer students the best of both organizations’ offerings.”

”The world of work for the average wealth manager will change significantly over the next decade. I’m thrilled to be joining forces with Dirk and the rest of the CFFP team to build the learning journeys of the future for wealth management professionals to thrive as the industry changes and grows,” said Dr. Andrew Temte, President of Kaplan Professional.

About the College for Financial Planning

Founded in 1972, the College for Financial Planning provides accessible and flexible degree, non-degree, and continuing professional education programs to students nationwide. Shortly after its founding, the College introduced the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, which has evolved into the world’s most recognized and respected financial planning credential, with more than 65,000 professionals in the U.S. having earned the credential.

In addition to its CFP® Certification Professional Education Program, the College offers two graduate degree programs that provide more in-depth knowledge of the finance industry. Professional designation programs are also available, with specializations ranging from asset management to retirement planning. The College for Financial Planning is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. More than 155,000 students have graduated from the College’s programs. For more information, visit cffpinfo.com.

About Kaplan Professional

Kaplan is a leading international provider of training and education services operating in more than 30 countries and working with over 10,000 corporations and businesses globally. Kaplan Professional helps professionals obtain and maintain in-demand certifications, licenses and designations that enable them to advance and succeed in their careers. Through live and online instruction, Kaplan Professional provides test preparation, licensing, continuing education, and professional development programs to businesses and individuals in the accounting, engineering, insurance, securities, real estate, financial planning, and information technology industries.

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Mark Harrad
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