Curro, recently taken over by billionaire Jannie Mouton’s foundation, has received approval to acquire the operations of one of its brands, Meridian Schools. Curro is South Africa’s largest private school network, educating over 70,000 students across more than 180 schools, offering schooling from Grade R to High School.
Meridian Schools and Ownership Structure
Meridian Schools is one of nine schooling models within the Curro group, which includes eight Curro brands spanning preschool to high school. In 2012, Curro entered a joint venture with the Public Investment Corporation and Old Mutual Investment Group of South Africa, pledging R440 million to create a group of Meridian Schools for approximately 20,000 learners.
Campus and Property Management Company (CAPMAC) was established to own the Meridian brand, its buildings, and boarding facilities. Curro holds 65% of CAPMAC, with its operations ring-fenced from other Curro activities. Meridian Schools provides co-educational learning up to Grade 12, with one school including preschool, English as the medium of instruction, and a cost-sensitive fee structure.
“The curriculum also includes a digital wider subject choice offering, enabling FET phase learners to select subjects not offered at their specific school.”
Regulatory Approval
The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve Curro’s acquisition of CAPMAC and Meridian Operations Company (MOP), a non-profit that operates all Meridian Schools, without conditions. The commission concluded that the transaction is unlikely to lessen competition substantially or raise public interest concerns.
Mouton Foundation Takeover
The acquisition marks another change in Curro’s ownership following the Mouton Foundation’s takeover. Jannie Mouton, a prominent South African business figure, acquired Curro in a deal worth approximately R7.2 billion, including cash and shares in Capitec and PSG Financial Services. Curro has since been delisted from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and transitioned into a public-benefit organisation.
Under the new structure, all surplus funds from the schools will be used to expand educational facilities and provide bursaries. Curro’s current management team remains in place and will continue to grow the group independently. Mouton established the foundation in 2004 to invest in South African education, having already donated a significant portion of his wealth.
Strategic Significance
The acquisition strengthens Curro’s private education network and expands access to quality schooling in South Africa. By integrating Meridian Schools, Curro can offer wider curriculum options, maintain high standards, and deliver cost-sensitive education while supporting social impact through the public-benefit organisation model.
