Henley Management College and the University of Reading have confirmed they are in discussion over a potential merger.
Under the terms of the deal, the international business school would combine its operations with the university, aimed at boosting Henley’s ranking in the business school league tables.
Last year, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Henley’s full time MBA as number two in the UK, number five in Europe and number 10 in the world.
Paul Walsh, chief executive of drinks manufacturer Diageo and chairman of the court of governors of Henley Management College said: “Our vision as a business school is to be a world leader in the delivery of business and management education for organisations and individuals on the global stage.
“The potential merger under discussion represents an innovative step forward for Henley Management College to meet this ambition by strengthening its capability to meet the challenges in the management education market.”
The University of Reading has well-respected research capability, and access to expertise in climate change, sustainability and financial market trading.
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According to Walsh, this would allow Henley Management College to further its capability in core areas of modern business competence.
Professor Gordon Marshall, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “The University of Reading is an ambitious institution and this will be a transforming step in further developing our world-class reputation for teaching, research and enterprise.”
