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Having started its education and training business in 1986, Aptech is an ISO 9001:2008 organisation and the first IT Training and Education company to get ISO certification for Education Support Services in 1993. In an interview Ninad Karpe, MD & CEO, Aptech Ltd, shares the brand’s growth, expansion and success.
Pallavi Majha (PM) Tell us something about the origin, growth and success of Aptech Limited.
Ninad Karpe (NK): Aptech is an IT education and training business, originated in India with an annual turnover of Rs 174 crore and is in operation since 1986. However, the company started franchising in 1990’s. At present the brand has its presence in close to 300 cities and towns across the country. The brand has total 839 franchised units and 22 company owned units in India.
PM: What is the amount of investment required in terms of money and area in taking up the franchise of the company?
NK: The investment required may range from Rs 7 to 45 lakh (depending upon city, model, and product). The area required is from 700 to 2,500 sq. ft (depending upon city, model, and product).
PM: What is the Return on Investment and break even period for the Aptech franchise?
NK: The ROI may range from 18 to 23 % and the expected break-even is 12 to 18 months.
PM: What is the USP of your brand and what makes brand promising?
NK: Aptech commenced its education and training business in 1986 and has globally trained over 6.4 million students. Aptech is an ISO 9001:2008 organization and the first IT Training and Education company to get ISO certification for Education Support Services in 1993.
It has presence in more than 40+ emerging countries through its two main streams of businesses – Individual training and Enterprise Business. As a leader in career education, it has over 1,300 centres of learning across the world.
Under Individual Training, Aptech offers career and professional training through its Aptech Computer Education, Arena Animation & Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (both in Animation & Multimedia), Aptech Hardware & Networking Academy, Aptech Aviation & Hospitality Academy and Aptech English Learning Academy brands
PM: What made you take the franchising route and why do you think it is apt for your brand?
NK: It offers various franchise models after considering market potential, city classification and specific opportunities in each brand. This flexibility allows the franchise partner to choose the brand, area of operations based on his investment capacity and area of expertise/interest.
PM: Share with us the growth and expansion of the brand so far in India.
NK: The brand has grown tremendously over the years. During FY2012, the brand added 60+ taking the total number of stores to 861 by the end of March 2012. This count at the beginning of April 2010 was 754. Now target new center additions by March, 2013 are 100+ taking the total store count to 900+ by the end of March 2013.
PM: Throw some light on Aptech business model?
NK: It offers various franchise models after considering market potential, city classification and specific opportunities in each brand. This flexibility allows the franchise partner to choose the brand, area of operations based on his investment capacity and area of expertise/interest.
PM Share with us the company’s international expansion plans?
NK: At present we have 450+ overseas units and has its presence in more than 40 countries including China, Vietnam, Nigeria, Russia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Brazil, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc. The company plans to have 25 more overseas units in FY 2013. The target markets for international expansion are all emerging economies with focus on Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa. We are also looking to expand in key Asian countries such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines, etc.
PM: Where do you see your brand five years down the line?
NK: The Aptech brand is very dynamic in nature. The brand promise is reflected in all the verticals and we see a lot of potential in multi geography multi brand approach of expansion. We see all the brands growing at a good pace in the international geographies in the coming few years.
