Do the numbers add up for UCC-IMI merger?

With third-level funding at crisis point, how prudent is it for UCC to borrow €18m to take over the Irish Management Institute, asks Special Correspondent Michael Clifford

The final hurdle in a merger between UCC and the Irish Management Institute (IMI) is to be jumped today, but there has been precious little examination of the deal.

Questions arise as to whether the deal represents good value for the exchequer-funded UCC and on what basis has management at the college decided that the merger is advantageous for the college.