Accountancy firms confirm merger

MIDLANDS accountancy firms Clement Keys and PKF Cooper Parry have completed their merger.

TheBusinessDesk.com revealed in November that the two firms were in advanced talks regarding a potential merger.

Combining the two firms creates the largest independent firm of chartered accountants in the region.

The merger means the disappearance of the Clement Keys name as the new firm will trade as PKF Cooper Parry.

The new firm has a combined revenue of £30m and a team of more than 350 people across its two offices in the East and West Midlands.

PKF Cooper Parry is understood to have been looking at the West Midlands for expansion for some time.

Joe Bates, managing partner at Dudley-based Clement Keys, said: “Clement Keys and PKF Cooper Parry are delighted to have joined forces.  We have spent a number of years growing our market share and so has PKF Cooper Parry.  Bringing the two firms together now broadens our services to businesses in our region and strengthens our position in the marketplace.”

Ade Cheatham, CEO, PKF Cooper Parry, said the new firm had ambitious growth plans and was already eyeing Birmingham as an area in which to expand its presence.

“As of today, we have immediately strengthened the partner team, with five new partners across audit, tax and corporate finance,” he said.

“This is an exciting and significant merger for both firms. We share a closely aligned vision to be number one in the privately owned market across the whole of the Midlands through creating a fiercely independent firm which is purely focused on exceptional client service.
 
“This merger will enhance and complement our offering to clients, bringing sector expertise and extensive international reach along with immense experience across core services under one brand.  This exciting development demonstrates that we are ambitious for growth and determined to be seen as the adviser of choice for privately owned business.”
 
He said the ultimate aim for the business was to see the success achieved in the East Midlands replicated in the West.