Zee to take Kidzee overseas

Zee Interactive Learning Systems (ZILS) is planning to take its 'Kidzee' brand of play group, nursery and activity center abroad.

The company has already signed up to open 10 Kidzee centres abroad through the franchise route in Singapore, Dubai, Indonesia and Sharja.

"By the end of this financial year, we plan to open 30 to 35 centres mainly in south east Asian and Gulf countries catering mainly to the Indian diaspora," said Arun Kumar Khetan, chief executive officer, Zee Interactive Learning Systems.

In India, the company has so far opened 250 centres mainly in the north, west and east. "Since we do not have much of a presence in south, this year we plan to concentrate on opening centres in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu," said Khetan.

The company announced opening of five more centres in Bangalore. With this the number of Kidzee centres in the state has gone up to 15. Centres in Belgaum and Udupi have also become operational.

Zee Interactive Learning Systems (ZILS) in financial year 2004-05 has registered Rs 15 crore revenues and by opening more centres plans to double it to Rs 30 crore.