We have often heard of mergers between big corporates but Rouen Business School and Reims Management School, both in France, have come together to create a new B-school, Neoma Business School. Excerpts from an interview with Frank Bostyn, Dean of Neoma Business School.
What was the reason behind the merger?
We can no longer deny that the Grandes Ecoles are now facing increased global competition. And to remain a leader in this environment we must gain in visibility and impact. It was absolutely necessary for the two schools to act on a larger scale. Our organic growth is not fast enough, the merger was therefore natural and a logical option, as other French schools have done before us.
Both schools appeared as ideal partners to each other. They had a similar size and positioning (even international policy, for example), geographical proximity to Paris, close positions in the rankings, and the same pattern of recruiting students. They knew each other for a long time (creation of Ecricome in 1987, founding members of the chapter, co -creators of CEP 2009). These initiatives have allowed each one of them to learn to work closely together.
What do you hope to get out of the merger?
My objectives for the school are clear. I do not focus only on growth, what is most important to me is to ensure the best quality of our programmes. Our mission as a business school is to meet the needs of companies producing competent and enlightened managers. While some go for numbers, I prefer to commit to the results. However, without giving specific numbers, we hope to continue the growth initiated by the two schools.
For students, joining Neoma Business School, the first and foremost added value is the access to excellent training facilities in a school that has triple accreditation, and that offers an internationally recognised degree.
Apart from this, Neoma Business School offers its students the possibility of evolving on truly multicultural campuses which have representatives from more than 110 countries.
Another important benefit is the strong alumni network — it allows access to a network of graduates where there are more than 40,000 professionals based around the world. This provides the assurance that Neoma graduates have access to global positions.
Will these lead to any changes in the programmes offered?
It is important to note that no programme will disappear as such, because the portfolio of both the schools is highly pertinent. Some programmes merged because of similar characteristics and were revised. Prospective students will especially discover the new Grand Ecole master’s that will be delivered both in Rouen and Reims campuses, from September 2014 onwards. Besides the Grande Ecole master’s, Neoma Business School considers it as their priority to develop powerful international programmes (MBA, executive MBA and executive education) that are able to meet international standards.
— shilpa.vasudevan@newindianexpress.com