Study Group International, a university programme provider owned by Australian private equity firm CHAMP, is considering an initial public offering before July and is close to appointing an adviser, an industry source with direct knowledge of the situation said.

Domestic media have put the value of a potential float at up to $600 million. A number of advisers have submitted proposals and CHAMP is close to a decision on selecting one, the source told Reuters on condition of anonymity because the matter is confidential.

CHAMP officials declined to comment.

The private equity firm will likely consider a potential trade sale or an IPO in a dual-track process, the source said.

Study Group International helps prepare students for university study in the UK, Australia and the US, where it owns the Center for English Studies chain of language schools.

CHAMP bought the group from the Daily Mail Group in 2006 for $176 million.

In Australia, its major rival is listed firm Navitas.

（www.eduwo.com, Anna）