Accountancy firm seals the deal on sixth acquisition this year
Derby accountancy firm Cooper Parry (CP) has completed the acquisition of Haines Watts.
Its London and associated audit and advisory businesses across the South-East and the Midlands, HWSE, has now officially joined the CP team.
After 12 months of discussions, the deal projects the firm to a £125m turnover, adds 11 offices, and 63 partners and increases the headcount to 1,150 people.
HWSE’s ex-managing partner, Michael Davidson, joins the CP Team as chief growth officer.
CP says it is also currently on track to achieve its five-year plan well ahead of schedule, as the firm has now completed six deals in 10 months. The firm is also reporting 33% organic growth for the first half of the current financial year, and says it is on course to double in size again over the next two years.
Ade Cheatham, Cooper Parry CEO, said: “Completing this deal is very special. Michael and his team have created an outstanding business and the ‘fit’ between us both is spot on. No question, we are better together. I’m genuinely thrilled to be welcoming so many talented people to the CP team. Together, our complementary cultures, knowledgeable teams, and a tech-enabled approach will deliver an even more enhanced client experience. The news is timely too, as only a few days ago it was announced that for the seventh year, we’ve made it into the UK’s Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list, as the 30th Best Large Company to Work For. And we are still recognised as the #1 Accountancy Firm to Work For in the UK.
“Closing deals like this while maintaining exceptional performance for our clients is never easy. I’m incredibly proud of everyone’s efforts in getting each of these six deals over the line in such a short period. This year has been transformational for the firm. Looking ahead to the next phase is equally exciting.”
Michael Davidson, chief growth officer, said: “I’m delighted how this has all come together. Working collaboratively on the integration over the last year has ensured that all the team and our clients have been up to speed with every key milestone. The work the team has already done to combine the two businesses means we’ll hit the ground running from day one.”
