Accountancy group expands North West presence with three acquisitions
Professional services group DJH has accelerated its North West expansion with the strategic acquisition of Haines Watts’ Chester, Liverpool and Wirral offices for an undisclosed sum.
As a result of the deal the Stoke-on-Trent-based accountancy firm will grow its turnover to £61.5m, with revenues in the North West surpassing £24m.
All the newly acquired offices will operate under the DJH banner with immediate effect, strengthening and complementing the firm’s existing operations in Altrincham, Bury, Chester, Manchester and Nantwich.
Mike Forshaw, director of Haines Watts’ Liverpool team, said: “Following significant changes within the Haines Watts network, joining DJH was an obvious strategic decision.
“We were looking for a platform that shares our values and can provide the stability and enhanced resources that will support our valued clients now and in the future.”
He added: “DJH’s strong regional presence and comprehensive support infrastructure makes it the perfect partner for our continued growth.”
The partnership enables DJH to offer the new client base access to in-house services, including estate planning, capital allowances and R&D tax credits, corporate finance, commercial funding solutions, HR consultancy and IT and technology support.
Local leadership structure remains unchanged, with Mike Forshaw and Tim Cherry leading the Liverpool team, Stuart Penny and Vikki Wynne heading up operations in Wirral, and Steve Greensill continuing as director at the Chester city office, alongside newly promoted Joe Walters.
Scott Heath, DJH chief executive, said: “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of expanding our presence in key regional markets through partnerships with high quality, client-focused practices.
“The Chester city, Liverpool and Wirral teams bring excellent local market knowledge and strong client relationships that complement our existing North West operations beautifully.”
He added: “It is also an exciting region to do business in, with lots of inward investment, regeneration projects and fast growing companies requiring the right tailored advice to expand even further.”
DJH, which is backed by private equity investor, Tenzing, is a top 30 UK accountancy and professional services group with 16 offices across the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, the South East and, through the most recent partnership, in Dublin.
Following 16 acquisitions over the past four years, DJH now employs a multidisciplinary team of 750 people.
