Business
Curro cleared to take full control of Meridian schools after major ownership shift
South Africa’s biggest private school group is tightening its grip on one of its own brands.
Curro, now under the control of billionaire Jannie Mouton’s foundation, has received the green light from competition authorities to acquire the remaining operations linked to Meridian Schools. On paper, it sounds like a technical corporate shuffle. In reality, it signals another step in a sweeping transformation of one of the country’s most recognisable education groups.
From joint venture to full control
Meridian Schools has always occupied a slightly unusual space within Curro’s stable of brands. Back in 2012, Curro entered into a joint venture with the Public Investment Corporation and Old Mutual Investment Group South Africa. The aim was ambitious: raise R440 million in capital and build a network of schools that could accommodate around 20,000 learners.
Out of that partnership came Campus and Property Management Company, known as CAPMAC. CAPMAC owns the Meridian brand itself, along with the physical school buildings and boarding facilities. Curro held a 65 percent stake in CAPMAC, but Meridian’s funding and operations were ring-fenced from the rest of the group.
Now, Curro Holdings intends to acquire both CAPMAC and Meridian Operations Company, the nonprofit entity responsible for running the schools. The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the deal without conditions, stating it is unlikely to substantially lessen competition or raise public interest concerns.
In short, Curro is bringing Meridian fully into the fold.
Where Meridian fits in the Curro universe
Curro is already the largest private school network in South Africa, with more than 70,000 learners enrolled as of June 2025 and over 180 schools nationwide. It offers education from Grade R through to matric and operates nine schooling models across eight Curro brands plus Meridian.
Meridian Schools cater up to Grade 12, with one campus also offering preschool. They are co-educational, English-medium, and built around a cost-sensitive model. Fees are lower than those at other Curro schools, yet the group says standards remain aligned with Curro’s broader educational benchmarks.
One notable feature is the digital, wider subject choice offering. This allows FET phase learners to select subjects not physically available at their own campus, expanding options through technology. In a country where subject access can limit future career paths, that flexibility carries weight.
A billionaire’s long education play
This acquisition comes just months after a much bigger shift. In August, it was announced that Jannie Mouton’s foundation would acquire Curro in a deal valued at around R7.2 billion, combining cash and shares in Capitec and PSG Financial Services.
The deal resulted in Curro being delisted from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and restructured as a public benefit organisation. According to the terms, surplus funds generated by the schools will be directed towards expanding facilities and funding bursaries.
Mouton founded his education-focused foundation in 2004 and has already donated a significant portion of his wealth to it. His track record in business includes building and investing in major South African names such as Capitec and PSG Group.
For former Curro shareholders, the offer included a 60 percent premium to the August announcement price. Many were attracted by the opportunity to hold shares in Capitec as part of the transaction.
What this means for families
For parents and pupils, the changes are unlikely to feel dramatic in the short term. Curro’s existing management team remains in place and continues to run the group independently. Schools will still operate under their current brands and models.
However, the long-term implications are significant. With Meridian now more tightly integrated and Curro operating under a public benefit structure, the group appears to be positioning itself for sustained expansion, potentially with a stronger focus on affordability and bursary support.
In a country where access to quality education remains deeply unequal, moves like this will be watched closely. Some see opportunity in scale and financial backing. Others remain cautious about consolidation in the private education sector.
What is clear is that Curro’s transformation is far from over. And with one of South Africa’s most prominent business figures backing the vision, the group’s next chapter is likely to shape the private schooling landscape for years to come.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: Curro
