University merger completes to form major health powerhouse in London

Contracts were signed in February 2024 and it has taken many months of hard work on all sides to reach the point of completion on 1 August 2024.

The merger brings together two leading universities with complementary strengths to create City St George’s, University of London, one of the largest destinations for students in the capital and a major university powerhouse. City St George’s will be one of the largest suppliers of the health workforce in London, offering a range of innovative and interdisciplinary programmes and research opportunities, as well as enhanced student experience and employability prospects.

The Mills & Reeve multi-disciplinary team led by corporate education partner Poppy Short has been integral in helping St George’s navigate the legal and regulatory issues to reach a satisfactory merger conclusion.

Poppy Short said: “This merger is a testament to the dedication, resilience and ambition of both universities, and we are proud to have played a role in making it happen. The merger process was complex and required cooperation and determination on all sides, it was a real team effort.

Working on this merger and others, Mills & Reeve has a unique insight into the process and can offer invaluable support to other universities considering mergers or other forms of radical collaboration in an increasingly fragile sector.”

Professor Rachel Allen, Interim Executive Dean of St George's School of Health and Medical Sciences, said: “I would like to thank Poppy Short and the rest of the team at Mills & Reeve for the incredible commitment they have shown, and the support they have offered, throughout this process.

Their attention to detail, expertise in higher education law, and solution-focused advice were invaluable in enabling us to navigate a wide range of complex legal matters, without which our merger would not have been possible.

As both our institutions embark on this new chapter, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our staff, students and alumni. I look forward to working with our community at City St George’s to deliver exceptional student outcomes and impactful research that enhances society."