Acquisitive accountancy firm swoops for established financial advisor

Armstrong Watson has acquired long-standing Leeds practice Grants Chartered Accountants.

The merger sees seven Grants staff join Armstrong Watson’s Leeds city centre office.

Jonathan Grant has also joined as a consultant and will continue to provide tax and accounting services to existing clients, while also reducing his working hours and transitioning towards retirement.

He said he saw the acquisition as a great opportunity for all parties, adding: “The decision to join forces with another long-established firm of independent business advisers has been carefully considered and brings positive benefits to our two most important cohorts – clients and staff.

“I believe clients will continue to receive quality, personal service and for some it will give them the benefit of being able to pull in the skills of a larger firm.

“The opportunities that exist at Armstrong Watson will benefit those clients significantly.”

Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson managing partner and CEO, said: “We are very much looking forward to working with Jonathan and his colleagues at Grants. This merger combines two firms of similar culture, with complementary practice strengths and sector expertise.

“We hope that by offering an increasing range of specialists and advisers, we will ensure we continue to provide Grants’ clients with tailored, proactive support and advice essential for profit and growth.”

This deal follows three acquisitions for Armstrong Watson in the last 12 months, with the firm expanding in Leeds, Hexham and Carlisle – areas where it is already well-established – and strengthens its aim of becoming the “go-to firm for family and owner-managed businesses in the North of England and Scotland.”