After reaching out to Georgia Education Group LLC (GEG), the 70% shareholder of British-Georgian Academy LLC (BGA), we obtained the information that addresses the allegations previously circulated in the media by Natia Janashia, the minority shareholder of BGA.
In 2019, Natia Janashia and her husband, Davit Tsetskladze, sold 70% of BGA to GEG for GEL 29 million. As part of the agreement, a memorandum was signed between the partners, according to the document Natia Janashia would continue to serve as the director of the school for five-years. Upon the expiration of this term, GEG would decide on the potential change of the director.
Natia Janashia claimed that GEG’s decision not to renew her and her husband Davit Tsetskladze's contracts, along with the appointment of Johan Van Lill as the new director, posed a risk to the school's international accreditation. This statement turned out to be misleading. GEG has clarified that the process of appointing a new director is ongoing. Furthermore, GEG is committed to making additional investments to further develop the school and, alongside Mr. Johan Van Lill, is focusing on enhancing the working and learning environment for both current staff and learners.
Regarding the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and their official position. Even though, change of director does not require prior approval, an official letter from COBIS, signed by the CEO, confirms that COBIS sees no threat for the school to lose membership with the suggested director change. COBIS also confirmed that new candidate meets COBIS requirements. Based on this Natia Janashia’s claims are entirely baseless.
As GEG clarifies, Natia Janashia's claim that GEG failed to deliver on its promised investments in the school is groundless. Following the acquisition of its stake in BGA, GEG reinvested GEL 27 million. Furthermore, GEG stated that additional investments were delayed due to the inefficient management of the development projects by Natia Janashia and her husband, Davit Tsetskladze. This is supported by the fact that, after the acquisition of the stake, there were no instances when GEG caused any delays in the agreed investment projects.
Additionally, all legal disputes, criminal and civil, initiated by Natia Janashia and Davit Tsetskladze were resolved against them.
GEG has raised several serious allegations against Natia Janashia and Davit Tsetskladze, including:
- abuse of power,
- improper management of funds,
- lack of financial transparency,
- breach of agreement, among other concerns.
Recent developments raise a lot of questions and undermine the legitimacy of claims made by current principal. GEG states that the company is fully committed to protecting its rights and interests.
