The boards of Abri Group (Abri) and Silva Homes (Silva) have today (14 March 2023) announced they are in advanced discussions regarding the two organisations joining together, after agreeing an outline business case. If the final business case is approved it would result in Silva Homes joining the Abri Group as a subsidiary.
Between them, the two organisations own and manage 45,000 homes and work on behalf of 114,000 customers in the south of England. Both Abri and Silva retain G1/V1 regulatory ratings.
Gary Orr, group chief executive of Abri said:
“Abri and Silva offer each other an excellent potential fit. Alongside our geography, we share the same fundamental purpose, and very similar objectives. Most importantly, we’re both committed to delivering the best possible services through local teams who are close to their customers and communities.”
Should the final business case be agreed, a new regional approach is proposed within the Abri group, directly accountable to customers on all the issues that are important to them. But until this time there is no immediate change for customers and colleagues of Abri or Silva.
The plans to bring the two organisations together would also bring Silva’s development aims into Abri’s strategic partnership with Homes England. The anticipated benefits include additional new homes provided in the region.
Alan Ward, chief executive of Silva Homes said;
“Silva and Abri are strong organisations and our boards believe that together we will be better placed to improve services to our customers, and be more financially resilient. Combining resources and capabilities is in the long-term interests of our customers and we’ll have more capacity together than apart.”
“While discussions and work continues, our focus will be on maintaining the delivery of high-quality services to our customers. Our customers and their views are extremely important to us and they will be given the opportunity to provide their valuable feedback on the proposals and future service improvements.”
A final decision is expected later in the year, subject to the outcome of the customer consultations, gaining the approval of Silva’s shareholders and the agreement of both boards to a final business case.