GLL and Nexus Community, two of the UK's leading not-for-profit social enterprises, are to merge in a deal that will see the new group operate more than 100 leisure centres across South East England.

Nexus will become a trading division of GLL, primarily serving the Thames Corridor, and will continue to operate under its own brand and maintain its own head office. Jobs at both charitable organisations remain secure and at an operational level business will continue as usual.

It is envisaged that the deal will benefit both parties, their council partners, customers and staff, by allowing for increased investment into capital projects, business expansion, and greater training and career opportunities for employees.

GLL and Nexus have worked in partnership since 1996, most recently in the South Oxfordshire area where GLL has subcontracted the management of seven South Oxfordshire District Council leisure facilities to Nexus.

Mark Sesnan, Managing Director of GLL said, "This merger offers a fantastic opportunity for both GLL and Nexus to take our businesses forward, share resources and build on our strengths. Having worked in partnership for a number of years, the similarities between the two organisations have become evident and the advantages of working together obvious".

Rick Durrant, Managing Director of Nexus added; "We are pleased to be able to further strengthen and formalise the positive and long-standing relationship we have enjoyed with GLL since our inception. The advantages of the merger will bring significant opportunities for our loyal staff and our local authority partners."