FAR Eastern University Inc. is strengthening its regional presence by acquiring a majority stake in a Bataan-based educational institution for P156 million. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Montinola-led university group announced a memorandum of agreement to take a 60.34 percent stake in Bataan Peninsula Educational Institution Inc., the operator of the University of Nueva Caceres-Bataan. PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of University of Nueva Caceres-Bataan
NATION

Far Eastern University expands regional footprint

Mico Virata

Far Eastern University (FEU) is expanding its footprint outside the capital with a P156-million investment to gain majority control of a school in Bataan, the company announced in a regulatory disclosure.

The listed university signed a memorandum of agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Bataan Peninsula Educational Institution Inc., the operator of the University of Nueva Caceres–Bataan.

The transaction consists of two parts — FEU will acquire 76.92 percent of the land where the school is located for P50 million and subscribe to 39,500 shares valued at P106 million.

Once the land is transferred to the company in exchange for additional shares, FEU’s ownership in BPEII will reach 60.34 percent. The university noted that the agreement remains subject to specific closing conditions.

The acquisition adds another institution to the growing network of the Montinola family-led education group. FEU currently operates campuses in Manila, Alabang and Cavite, offering 117 academic programs ranging from healthcare and business to artificial intelligence.

The expansion comes as enrollment in the FEU system nears 60,000 students, the highest level recorded since the pandemic.