Abri and Curo enter merger talks

Abri Group and Curo have entered into discussions about a potential merger.

The two providers, which together own around 65,000 homes, are exploring options to form what they are calling “a new partnership”.

Abri owns around 51,000 homes across southern England, whereas 14,000-home Curo is based in Bath. The two organisations combined generated revenue of £582m in 2024/25 and together completed more than 1,000 homes.

The organisation’s leaders believe a merger could increase capacity to build more homes and improve services.

Abri is currently the 20th biggest housing association in the UK by turnover, according to Housing Today’s Largest 50 Housing Associations list. A merger with Curo would push the provider up to around 13th positiom based on last year’s rankings.

Abri in April said it has an ambition to build 20,000 homes over the next decade and become a “top five” housing association provider .

Gary Orr, group chief executive of Abri, said: “We believe Abri and Curo are an excellent fit for one another. As well as operating in the same geographical area, both groups share the same core purpose, vision and values.

“Our combined strength and resilience will allow us to invest more into our customers’ homes, offer greater services and build more much-needed affordable homes.”

David McQuade, interim chief executive of Curo said: “Curo and Abri have many things in common, and our boards believe that together we will have more capacity to improve homes and services. Combining resources and capabilities is in the long-term interests of our customers and communities.”

A final decision is expected later in the year, following a formal consultation with residents and the agreement of both boards to the final business case.