South Africa’s biggest private school group in major property deal

Curro has received approval from South Africa’s competition watchdog to acquire the companies that own and operate the properties where some of its schools are located.

This comes as the private school group is in the process of being privatised following a buyout from the Jannie Mouton Trust.

On Thursday, 12 February, the Competition Commission announced that it has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve Curro’s proposed transaction.

Curro is South Africa’s largest private school network, with over 180 schools offering education from early childhood development (Grade R) through to Grade 12. 

The company currently operates through nine schooling models: Curro Preschools, Curro Schools, Curro Academy Schools, Curro Select Schools, Curro Assisted Learning, Curro DigiEd Schools, Curro Online, Curro Private College, and – the format relevant to this transaction – Meridian Schools.

Curro also currently controls several firms, including Campus and Property Management Company (CAPMAC) and Meridian Operations Company (MOP). 

CAPMAC owns the physical school buildings and boarding facilities used by Curro’s Meridian Schools. MOP is a non-profit company that serves as the operating entity for all of Curro’s Meridian Schools.

With this proposed transaction, Curro is looking to acquire full ownership of both CAPMAC and MOP.

The Competition Commission gave this deal the green light, saying it is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any market. 

The competition watchdog added that the proposed transaction does not raise significant public interest concerns.

This comes as Curro is in the process of transitioning from a listed entity to a non-profit organisation.

This process started when the Jannie Mouton Trust announced plans to acquire all of Curro’s shares and turn the company into a not-for-profit entity for around R7.2 billion.

The Trust’s interest in Curro dates back to 1998, when billionaire businessman Jannie Mouton, through his company PSG Group, helped establish the private education provider.

In August 2025, the Trust announced its plans to acquire Curro and delist the company, allowing it to be run as a non-profit.

This deal has already received overwhelming shareholder approval, with 99.98% of shareholders having voted in its favour at Curro’s general meeting in October 2025.