London-based Fashion Retail Academy (FRA) has acquired the London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT).

LCBT was established in 1995 and provides beauty courses for students aged 16-19 in areas such as beauty therapy, hair, makeup, and aesthetics.

Both the FRA and LCBT will become part of a new charity, Education for Industry (EFI) Group, which will contain four divisions: FRA, LCBT, EFI Training and EFI Awards.

The FRA and LCBT will remain as individual colleges, with programmes and functions that will continue to operate independently of one another.

The FRA’s chief executive, Lee Lucas, will become chief executive of EFI Group and both colleges.

He said: “I could not be more delighted to welcome LCBT into the FRA family.

“This strategic acquisition reflects the dedication of both colleges to offer a comprehensive and cutting-edge education that prepares our graduates for success in the dynamic worlds of fashion, retail and beauty.

“Together, we will continue to elevate creativity, innovation, and excellence across fashion, beauty and more new sectors, to empower the next generation of industry leaders.”