Professional services firm AAB establishes NW base following acquisition deal

From left: Chris Harland, John Beevers, Philip Riding, Graeme Allan

UK-wide professional services firm, AAB, has strengthened its position in the North of England with the acquisition of Bolton-based Barlow Andrews and its sister entity Beech Business Services, for an undisclosed sum.

Established for more than 100 years and currently employing 70 staff, Barlow Andrews and Beech Business Services collectively provide audit and accounts, tax, payroll, outsourcing and business advisory support to a wide range of SME clients in the North West.

The businesses join AAB with immediate effect and will continue trading as Barlow Andrews and Beech Business Services for a set transition period.  

John Beevers, Head of Professional Services at AAB, said: “We are excited to announce the acquisition of Barlow Andrews, which marks an important milestone in our strategic expansion in the North of England, helping AAB to realise our ambitious 2030 growth strategy.

“By combining our expertise with Barlow Andrews’ deep knowledge of the North West region and its market, we are confident we will drive continued innovation and success for our clients.

“We look forward to building on this strong foundation and pursue exciting growth opportunities across the North West.”

Chris Harland, Managing Partner at Barlow Andrews, said: “Over the years, we have built a strong reputation in the North West by focusing on delivering great results and fostering close relationships with our clients.

“In AAB we’ve found a partner that not only aligns with our vision but also offers the resources and expertise to broaden the support we can provide to our clients.

“Together, we will continue to prioritise the needs of our clients and continue to deliver high quality tailored advice.”

Since securing investment from August Equity in 2021, AAB has trebled in size and now employs more than 1,000 staff across the UK, Ireland and internationally.

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