CUP and Cambridge Assessment complete merger

Cambridge University Press and exams group Cambridge Assessment have merged into one organisation under the name Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

The university confirmed the merger this week, which was first announced in October last year. The university said the merger "creates a larger, global organisation that offers world-leading academic research, learning and assessment, backed by the first-class teaching and research departments of the University of Cambridge".

It said the move was in response to a growing desire from learners, teachers and researchers to "engage with Cambridge in a joined up digital way, and the demand for innovative products that combine expertise in learning and assessment".

When asked if there had been any staff redundancies as a result of the development, a spokesperson told The Bookseller: "We became Cambridge University Press & Assessment to maximise our opportunities for growth and to meet the needs of learners, teachers and researchers. We are shaping the new organisation to deliver that ambition. As a result, we anticipate growth rather than reduction in the total numbers of our people over the coming years. In a few cases, roles have been merged where there was unnecessary duplication, and wherever possible we always look to redeploy people when that happens.

"The formal launch of our new organisation is a further step in a gradual process of integration, which has already seen us bringing together teams and services across the business. We will continue so do this in an open and transparent way, sharing details with our people as soon as we can as we continue our integration."

Peter Phillips, chief executive of the new organisation, said: “Our teams have been working ever more closely in recent years and this is a natural next step. By working in partnership we can drive innovation and deliver even more effectively for the learners, teachers and researchers we serve.”

Cambridge University Press & Assessment remains part of the university and shares its mission to "contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence", the announcement said.

Phillips added: “Our capabilities have broadened and strengthened as a result of this change and we are investing even more in new products and services to support the changing needs of all our customers and communities around the globe, while continuing to provide the same great service and support.”