ABSTRACT
Dual sector institutions evolve or are created via a number of routes. Merger is the most immediate and carries with it the consequential strains of dramatic institutional change. This chapter presents the merger of Thames Valley University (TVU) with Reading College and School of Arts & Design. The TVU–Reading College merger highlights the importance of cultural change in ensuring the effectiveness of structural change in achieving merger goals. Both TVU and Reading College were looking for potential partners to meet their own individual needs and aspirations, as reflected in their common desire to increase higher education student numbers. Reading College had a very healthy balance sheet and cash balance, resulting largely from substantial growth in its further education student numbers. TVU had been developing a new strategic plan throughout 2003 but this was put on hold in light of the possible merger.
