Are You Considering a Merger?

Against the backdrop of the Schools White Paper, we are continuing to see an increase in the number of multi academy trusts (MATs) looking to merge with another MAT. In most cases, the MATs involved have identified that they have a similar or shared ethos and vision and that together they are stronger. Other drivers might be that:

• one of the MATs is facing intervention, or
• a CEO is coming up to retirement and with no obvious succession plans in place

In the first instance, we recommend putting in place:

• a Confidentiality Agreement (or 'non-disclosure agreement') to ensure the control of confidential information and external communications, and
• a non-legally binding Memorandum of Understanding through which the parties seek to agree a set of principles for the proposed merger and merged MAT

Legally, the merger of two MATs is normally achieved by transferring one of the MAT's schools into the other MAT with the second MAT being reformed. The reformed MAT can be rebranded and presented to all stakeholders as a new and shared MAT.

For a no obligation chat to discuss your proposed merger, please contact Chloe Brunton or Jaime Hobday. In addition, Our 'Step by Step' guide to mergers can be accessed without charge on our OnStream portal for which you can register here.