Award

Specialist technical advice for the proposed merger between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich

THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

04 Nov 2025 at 14:11

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Award

04 Nov 2025 at 14:07

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Kent, acting as the buyer, has recently conducted a procurement process to acquire specialist technical advice for a proposed merger with the University of Greenwich. The tender falls under the services category, specifically focusing on financial and management consultancy, to assess various aspects such as strategic rationale, governance, and financial planning. The procurement was conducted through a direct award method, justified by the unique and innovative nature of the merger requiring exclusive expertise. The process, completed under contract ID MR25_006, has involved a contractual award to PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP, with a contract value of £605,000 net (£726,000 gross). The contract period is scheduled to run from 14 November 2025 to 31 December 2025, with activities centred within the United Kingdom, specifically the South East region.

This procurement presents notable opportunities for businesses, particularly those specialising in financial consultancy and strategic advisory services. The merger of two prominent educational institutions, guided by advisories such as PwC, highlights a notable occasion for firms with capabilities in complex institutional integrations. Businesses with a strong background in financial analysis, IT consultancy, and operational auditing within the educational sector would find this contract particularly well-suited. Additionally, it underscores the importance of having sector-specific experience and the ability to work with large consortia and public institutions like the Department for Education and European Investment Bank, pertinent to businesses aiming to leverage growth in competitive consultancy markets.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Specialist technical advice for the proposed merger between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich

Notice Description

The scope of work will involve an independent business review of the combined business case and financial plan, assessing strategic rationale, governance, operating model, research, estates, IT, and funding requirements. This is an engagement commissioned by UoK with three main clients - UoK, Greenwich, and the DfE, as well as informing the European Investment Bank. Due to the commissioning arrangements whereby UoK leads on behalf of three entities including UoK.

Procurement Information

This is a new, innovative requirement for a proposed merger of two institutions to create a new Educational institution. There is no past precedent for a merger of this scale or size. PWC have worked with the EIB, a lender to the University on similar historic matters and have the historical, sector, and technical knowledge required.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d9f8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070872-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

66 - Financial and insurance services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

66170000 - Financial consultancy, financial transaction processing and clearing-house services

79411000 - General management consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£605,000 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
4 Nov 20253 months ago
Contract Period
14 Nov 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Additional Buyers

UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@greenwich.ac.uk, procurement@kent.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
CANTERBURY
Postcode
CT2 7NZ
Post Town
Canterbury
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI5 Outer London - East and North East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI51 Bexley and Greenwich
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Greenwich
Electoral Ward
East Greenwich
Westminster Constituency
Greenwich and Woolwich

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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