IRVINE, Calif. -- International Education Corp. (IEC), an Irvine, Calif.-based provider of post-secondary education, has acquired the American Auto Institute (AAI) for cash. Headquartered in Cerritos, Calif., American Auto Institute has unique transportation education programs that prepare students for entry-level careers in the automotive industry.

IEC owns and operates colleges under two national brands: UEI College and Advanced Career Training. With programs in healthcare, business, technology and criminal justice, IEC now adds automotive training to its list of offerings.

"This acquisition is consistent with our strategic objective to penetrate new urban markets in existing media markets within high-demand, career-focused programmatic verticals," said Fardad Fateri, president and chief executive officer of International Education Corp. "We are excited to be able to acquire AAI as it is known amongst employers and graduates to be a provider of top-quality career education programs to serve the needs of the automotive industry."

Despite the turbulence in the economy, the senior executives at International Education Corp. said they believe this type of acquisition is a prudent approach for positioning the corporation for sustaining future success. "Smart money is now [about] investing for expansion in key strategic economic pockets within high-potential and historically high-performing sectors," said Janis Paulson, chief operating officer of IEC.

"There is always a need for top-quality graduates for entry-level positions in high-demand sectors," added Ginny White, executive VP of marketing & admissions for IEC. "We believe the need and demand for entry-level automotive careers will continue to grow."