Dains makes first acquisition after private equity boost

Dains has taken the next step in its expansion plans with its first acquisition since securing private equity backing from IK Partners.
The accountancy and advisory firm, which has offices in Derby, Burton and Birmingham, has acquired Glasgow-based Consilium Chartered Accountants.
The deal expands its operations in Scotland and adds to its corporate tax, audit and finance services.
Consilium, founded in 2013, has built a reputation for its advisory approach and rapid growth in the sector. The team in Scotland is now almost 200 people strong with offices across the central belt.
The acquisition marks Dains’ 11th since 2021, increasing its workforce to 850 employees.
IK replaced Horizon Capital as the private equity investor, with plans for Dains to expand organically across the UK and Ireland.
Richard McNeilly, CEO of Dains Group said: “We are delighted to welcome Consilium to the Dains Group. We rarely meet such an enterprising and client-focused leadership team and the opportunities we can create together in Scotland and across the UK and Ireland are substantial. We are building a very compelling proposition in Scotland, having previously partnered with William Duncan & Co, and Condies. Our group comprises over 850 people and we are determined to continue improving the proposition for our clients and the career opportunities for our talented team.”
Pete Wilson, partner at IK said: “It is fantastic to welcome Consilium to Dains, which represents the 11th acquisition by the group since 2021. Dains has a clear ambition to differentiate itself, through offering a high quality, value-adding, comprehensive suite of services for its customers, whilst engaging with the best delivery team in the SME market – I know the team cannot wait to get started.”
Dains were advised by DSW (financial and tax due diligence), Forward Corporate, Finance (Financial Modelling), Deloitte (Tax structuring) and CMS (Legal). Consilium were advised by Vialex (Legal).