Begbies acquires Tomlinsons

ACCOUNTANCY group Begbies Traynor has bought Tomlinsons, a Manchester-based firm of insolvency specialists.

The firm’s two partners, Alan Tomlinson and Catherine Matthews, will now join Begbies, which is also based in Manchester, as partners.

In a stock market statement Begbies did not disclose the value of the deal.

Tomlinsons has 13 staff and offices in Manchester, Liverpool, London and Blackburn. Begbies said the business will be merged into its existing insolvency operation.

Earlier this week Begbies, which earns 80% of its income from insolvency work, admitted the rate of business failures had slowed. But it expects numbers to rise as the economic cycle develops.

Paul Stanley, head of Begbies’ Manchester office said: “Tomlinsons is a well-established business with a loyal client base and strong local contacts.

“In making this acquisition we are further strengthening our presence and market share in the North West as well as welcoming a number of first rate people to our business.

“As far as clients are concerned it will be a seamless transition.  Tomlinsons has an excellent reputation for high quality, personal service and this will continue as part of Begbies Traynor Group.”

Alan Tomlinson said: “We are excited to be joining Begbies Traynor Group. Our clients and our staff are sure to benefit from being part of such a market leading business.”

Begbies has more than 40 offices throughout the UK, including sites in Manchester, Chester, Liverpool, Blackpool and Preston.