Henley, University of Reading discuss merger

Henley Management College and Reading University have launched discussions leading to a merger creating "a combination of assets of both institutions".

Under the terms of the potential merger, Henley Management College would combine its operations with the University of Reading, forming a significant institution which is capable of taking Henley's world ranking even higher than it has achieved this year.

Paul Walsh, CEO of Diageo plc and chairman of the Court of Governors of Henley Management College, said: "This is an important strategic decision for the successful development of Henley's mission to deliver management and leadership development and education in the 21st century and is fully supported by the Court of Governors."

The University of Reading announced that it had reached agreement in principle on the potential merger to form a new world-class business school.

The merger will bring together two highly complementary business education offerings. Henley is a leading international provider of executive education and MBA programmes, while Reading is a world leader in international business research with centres of excellence in business education for the financial and real estate.

Christopher Bones, principal of Henley Management College, said: "Henley is already one of the most highly rated providers of executive education and MBA programmes in Europe, and is widely recognised as a thought leader in the field of management.

"By combining with the University of Reading, we aim to build a new, more broadly based business school able to command an even higher world class reputation, able to attract students and academics of the highest order and able to provide business organisations with an education partnership in a class of its own."

A spokesman for Allied Consultants Ltd, Henley's representatives in Malta (www.henleymalta. com.mt), stated that with the proposed merger the world prestige of Henley would be enhanced and its already high international ratings would also improve.