Urge to merge purged

The imminent retirement of Wolverhampton University vice-chancellor Michael Harrison, coupled with the summer outbreak of pre-Dearing tension, has fuelled rumours that the Midlands institution is preparing for a merger with its neighbour, the University of Central England in Birmingham, when a possible Dearing push for greater regionalism and partnership coincides with the removal of the greatest obstacle to any merger - chief executive ego.

Both parties have categorically denied any such plans. But UCE external affairs director David Warner plans to profit from merger mania anyway. He is now writing his new book, Managing Mergers, for the Open University Press. "It's in anticipation that Sir Ron will stimulate a large number of mergers," he said. Expect a rush of orders in southwest England.