In a bid to carve a distinct identity for its education business, slimming and beauty brand VLCC has got a new logo for its health and management institute.

“We wanted the institute to stand out per se. So, the colours we have used in the new logo are young and vibrant, signifying the importance the group gives to its education vertical,” said Ashish K Pandit, divisional chief operating officer (education), VLCC.

The group has 40 institutes spread across 34 cities. It hopes to take the number to 65 by the end of the year. Of these, three will be opened in Mumbai and one in Pune. By March 2010, VLCC plans to have 100 institutes across the country.

On plans of coming out with an initial public offering (IPO) to fund the company’s expansion, Pandit said, “As and when the market condition are suitable, the management will take a decision in this regard. I can’t comment about the timing of the IPO.”

The institute has tied up with UK-based Doncaster College for higher studies for students. VLCC aims to churn out a ‘vast talent pool for the beauty and fitness industry’. VLCC group’s founder and mentor Vandana Luthra said, “I see immense confidence in youth and believe that empowering them with education will help them attain new heights in reforming our industry.”

VLCC had also joined hands with three other international partners – City and Guilds of the UK, Schwarzkopf and Cengage Learning.