Accountancy firm goes back to the future as it completes MBO

DIRECTORS of the Leeds office of accountancy firm Montpelier have completed a management buyout and restored the company’s former name, Buckle Barton.

Ian Meek, Mark Dalton and George Goodman have completed the deal, purchasing the business from the Montpelier Group.

The firm was set up as Buckle Barton in 1951, before it was rebranded as part of Montpelier Group’s acquistion in 2008.

Mr Meek said: “The other executive board members and I all trained and qualified with Buckle Barton. We have worked at the firm in its different forms for 70 years combined, so we know our clients well, which will enable us to tailor our services directly for their benefit.

“Our new ownership plan is simple: to provide best-in-class accountancy services for our clients, whilst growing the firm to become one of the leading independent practices in the region.”

The three co-owners will form the new executive board, along with Duncan Marshall who has been promoted to tax director, and together they will lead the firm’s 33-strong team based in Horsforth.  

Key members of the Montpelier Leeds board have also been retained to ensure complete continuity in service levels for clients. Former Montpelier CEO Phil Nuttall will continue to look after his own client portfolio, whilst serving as non-executive chairman. Steve Willey will also remain as a consultant.

Andrew Francey of Watson Burton LLP advised the MBO team.