Optivo has announced they’re talking with Southern Housing Group about merging the two organisations.

The merger could create a new 77,000 social landlord Southern Housing by early next year 

The pair said the move will build a “strong and resilient organisation”.

The new organisation would be called Southern Housing and key leaders would be:

Chair designate: Sir Peter Dixon, current chair of Optivo and former chair of the Housing Corporation.

Chief Executive designate: Paul Hackett CBE, current chief executive of Optivo

Deputy Chief Executive designate: Alan Townshend, current chief executive of Southern Housing Group