LONDON -(Dow Jones)- Pearson PLC (PSON.LN), a leading learning company, said Wednesday it has acquired Certiport Inc. from Spire Capital Partners for $140 million in cash. MAIN FACTS: -Founded in 1997 in Utah, Certiport develops, markets and distributes certification exams and practice tests of IT and digital literacy skills. -It is a leading provider of foundation-level certification programmes for Microsoft, Adobe, HP, Intuit and other technology companies. -The network delivers approximately 225,000 examinations in 27 languages every month. -The acquisition extends the product range and geographic reach of Pearson's professional testing business, Pearson VUE. -Certiport also supports Pearson VUE's expansion in fast-growing international markets, generating more than 60% of its revenues outside North America with particular strength in Asia and the Middle East. -Certiport generated revenues of $48 million in 2011. -Pearson expects the acquisition to enhance adjusted earnings per share and to generate a return on invested capital above Pearson's weighted average cost of capital from 2013, its first full year. -Shares at 1349 GMT unchanged at 1153 pence, valuing the company at GBP9.4 billion. -By Mark Shapland, Dow Jones Newswires; +44 207 8429358; mark.shapland@dowjones.com
