The name of the newly-merged charity formed by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care has been announced as the Carers Trust.

The two charities have been negotiating the merger for the past 18 months and once the final regulatory steps have been completed, the Carers Trust will come into existence on 1 April 2012 with a public launch to follow in May.

Both charities act as umbrella organisations providing support for carers’ services although Crossroads Care also provides some services. Support to carers will continue to be provided by the current local brands and they will not be expected to merge as a result of the national merger.

Andrew Cozens, chair of the trustees said: “Together with our network partners Carers Trust will provide support information, advice and services for the millions of people caring for a family member or friend.”

For the year end March 2011 Crossroads Care had an income of £3.7m and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers’ income was just over £5m.

The two charities have worked together in past and when Cozens announced the intention to merge last year he said that full merger was the “next logical step”.

The Princess Royal will become president of the new charity, a role she has held at the Trust since it was formed in 1991.

The board developed the new brand with Forster Communications and they conducted research with carers, staff and network partners.

Head of insight and planning at Forsters, Athena Lamnisos said: “Consultation revealed that cares need a modern, fresh and dynamic brand that represents the diversity of people providing unpaid care for a friend or relative.”