As a result of the transaction, according to a statement by Global Knowledge, the company will become the largest Cisco Learning Solutions Partner (CLSP) in Europe and worldwide and the largest Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions in Europe.

Joseph W. Cece, Chief Executive Officer and President of Global Knowledge, noted, "the acquisition of Azlan Training reinforces Global Knowledge's commitment to the European market and enhances the company's position as a premier worldwide provider of IT training and enterprise learning solutions. The scale created by this transaction will allow us to serve our corporate customers, students, and technology- vendor partners with the broadest, deepest, and most frequent schedule of public and private classroom and web-based IT instruction in the European theatre."

"By acquiring Azlan Training, we have a unique opportunity to re-define the competitive landscape in a fragmented IT training market," noted Bob Lewis Vice President and Managing Director for Global Knowledge EMEA. "Joining forces with Azlan Training will enable us to offer a broader, comprehensive portfolio of courses, delivered reliably through an enhanced schedule and geared to suit all learning requirements."

"With the merger of Azlan Training and Global Knowledge, Microsoft customers will be able to access a multitude of Microsoft Learning solutions across an enhanced European and global footprint," said Johannes Foerner, Director, Microsoft Learning EMEA.

The combined company will operate under the Global Knowledge brand in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K.