LONDON -- British media group Pearson said Monday it had launched a $2.5 billion cash offer for U.S. education-services company National Computer Systems Inc., in a move to create the world's leading integrated education company.


Pearson said the acquisition had been recommended by NCS's board and would be financed through a 3-for-11 rights issue of 170 million new Pearson shares at pounds 10 ($14.97) per share to raise around pounds 1.7 billion ($2.55 billion).