Heritage College sold to N.Y. firm

Friday, May 9, 2003 | 11:20 a.m.

Kaplan Inc., a New York-based owner of 47 vocational training schools nationwide, said Thursday it agreed to acquire Heritage College of Las Vegas from Southwest Education Group LLC for an undisclosed amount and retain all 56 of its employees.

Heritage College, Southwest Education's sole operation, will retain its name under Kaplan's management.

Located at 3315 Spring Mountain Road, Heritage College, which has more than 500 students enrolled in its healthcare, paralegal, travel and information technology programs, was acquired for its "quality reputation and its strong allied health program in a market with a large concentration of medical professionals," Kaplan said.

The allied health program offers career-oriented training to medical assistants, pharmacy and health information technicians.

"Las Vegas holds strong potential as this is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., with limited educational opportunities to support its growing population," said Gary Kerber, Kaplan's chief executive.

Robert McCart, owner of Las Vegas-based Southwest, said the "cash and note" sale was prompted by a number of reasons including personal ones.

"In order for a small school to remain competitive and also grow, it should align itself with a prominent national company that owns many schools and has more resources," he said.