China Chunlai Education Group is set to acquire Dublin Business School from Kaplan in a deal reportedly worth about $127.5 million, marking the Chinese education group’s first major venture into Ireland.
The proposed transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Hong Kong stock exchange and remains subject to certain completion conditions. If completed, the deal would bring one of Dublin’s established private higher-education institutions under Chinese ownership.
First Irish investment for China Chunlai
China Chunlai operates a growing portfolio of private colleges across several Chinese provinces. The group said the acquisition represents a long-term investment and an opportunity to expand its international education activities.
The company has pointed to Dublin Business School’s reputation, academic standards and strong links with employers as important reasons for pursuing the acquisition.
For China Chunlai, entering the Irish market also provides a platform for developing international partnerships and expanding its education business beyond China.
Dublin Business School serves thousands of students
Dublin Business School, founded in 1975, has become a prominent provider of higher and professional education in Ireland.
The institution serves around 9,000 students annually through undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes. Its courses include full-time and part-time options, as well as programmes designed for students already working.
The school has also developed international relationships with more than 100 colleges and universities across Europe, North America and Asia.
Students from more than 80 countries have attended the institution, giving DBS a significant international profile.
International education market attracts investors
The acquisition comes as Ireland continues to strengthen its position as a destination for international students.
Ireland offers international students access to an English-speaking education system within the European Union, while its links with technology, finance and other industries make it attractive to students seeking career-oriented qualifications.
Private education providers have increasingly sought to expand their international reach as demand for specialised and employment-focused programmes grows.
For investors, established institutions with international student networks can offer opportunities to participate in that expanding market.
Kaplan prepares for another change in its education portfolio
The transaction represents another change in Kaplan’s international education business.
Earlier in 2026, Kaplan completed the sale of its languages division to Inspirit Capital. That transaction separated Kaplan International Languages and related businesses from Kaplan’s wider education operations.
The sale of Dublin Business School would further reshape Kaplan’s portfolio while allowing the company to focus on other areas of its education business.
Kaplan has indicated that it believes China Chunlai can provide long-term stewardship for DBS and continue developing the institution’s academic reputation.
New chapter for students and staff
DBS president Tim Bicknell said the institution’s next phase would build on the foundations established under Kaplan’s ownership.
The school is expected to continue focusing on academic quality, student support and connections between education and employment.
For staff and students, the ownership transition will be closely watched as the new owner determines its plans for investment, programmes and international partnerships.
The acquisition could also create opportunities for DBS to establish stronger connections with Chinese institutions and businesses, potentially expanding academic and professional collaboration between Ireland and China.
Growing cross-border education investment
The deal highlights the increasingly international nature of higher education.
Universities and private colleges are no longer competing solely within national markets. Institutions are building international partnerships, attracting students from around the world and becoming assets for education groups seeking geographic expansion.
For China Chunlai, Dublin Business School provides an established European base with an existing student population, international partnerships and a recognised brand.
For Ireland, the transaction adds another example of overseas investment in the country’s higher-education sector.
The acquisition still needs to satisfy the relevant completion conditions, but if finalised, it will mark a significant step in China Chunlai’s international expansion and begin a new chapter for one of Dublin’s long-established private colleges.
