IR News｜News

 Benesse Corporation today announced the business collaboration with UP Inc., a company with which Benesse has financial ties, to expand its English Classes for Children (from pre-school to age 12) and reading classes for elementary school students (Benesse Grimm Schools) throughout the country.

Benesse currently has 260 English classes under direct management in the Tokyo area. However, in order to expand the number of classrooms throughout Japan, Benesse plans to seek the cooperation of leading regional juku schools (after school cram schools) to achieve this goal. In line with this policy, Benesse and UP will cooperate in the opening of four classrooms in Hyogo Prefecture and open their first Benesse English classes in the Kansai area. By consistent expansion and development of new classrooms, Benesse and UP plan to have an estimated 15 classrooms in operation by fiscal year 2006. Moreover, Benesse plans to develop 18 Benesse Grimm Schools in the Kansai area in corporation with UP as an additional venue for English classes. The Benesse Grimm Schools, which started in April 2003, were jointly developed by Benesse and Sprix Co., Ltd., to promote reading programs for elementary school students. There are currently 49 classrooms in the Tokyo area. The collaboration will put substantial quality management expertise into practice. Benesse brings its extensive expertise in teaching materials, curricula, study programs, and teacher training, while UP will provide the Kaishinkan classroom facility, as well as lecturers.