HLB, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, has added HLB Ethiopia, a professional services provider in Addis Ababa, into its international community. The addition is aimed at strengthening HLB’s footprint within East Africa and provides additional support for organisations in Ethiopia. HLB Ethiopia delivers audit and assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients operating in diverse sectors. HLB Ethiopia managing partner Desalegn Zewdie commented: “At HLB Ethiopia, joining ...

Grant Thornton UK has revealed plans to recruit 160 new partners over the next two years, combining internal promotions with targeted external searches. Currently, Grant Thornton UK has 280 partners, with 40 partner appointments made so far this year. To support its recruitment plan, the firm is working with executive search companies Korn Ferry and Wilton & Bain. An advisory firm has also been engaged to refine the partner selection process and incorporate data-driven performance insights. This develo ...

Core Insights - Grant Thornton Advisors is integrating Grant Thornton Brazil into its multinational platform, enhancing its presence in South America [1][2] - The platform will now include 16 firms operating across 20 time zones, following similar integrations with Grant Thornton New Zealand and Grant Thornton Poland [1][5] - Grant Thornton Brazil has approximately 2,000 employees and generates annual revenues exceeding $80 million [1][2] Company Developments - The integration is seen as a transformative milestone for Grant Thornton Brazil, providing access to multinational resources and strategic alignment [2][5] - The multinational platform aims to combine advisory and tax practices while maintaining separate audit services, supported by a consortium led by New Mountain Capital [3][4] - Legal guidance for the transaction was provided by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Lefosse Advogados for Grant Thornton Advisors, while Mattos Filho advised Grant Thornton Brazil [4] Strategic Importance - The addition of Brazil is viewed as a significant step in building a cross-border professional services platform, enhancing the firm's ability to deliver high-impact solutions [5] - The network is expanding to include firms focused on strategic sectors, indicating a broader strategy to enhance service offerings [6]

Core Insights - Grant Thornton Advisors is expanding its multinational platform by incorporating Grant Thornton New Zealand, enhancing its presence in the Asia Pacific region [1][4] - The expansion now covers 20 time zones, increasing the group's service capabilities for clients with global operations [1] - Grant Thornton New Zealand contributes over $40 million in annual revenue and adds more than 300 professionals to the platform [1][2] Company Expertise and Integration - The New Zealand team specializes in audit, tax, and advisory services, and has a strong market presence in the region [2] - The multinational platform was launched earlier this year, supported by an investor group led by New Mountain Capital, and integrates over a dozen firms from various regions [2][3] - Current members include firms from the US, Ireland, France, UAE, and others, with additional transactions expected to close soon [3] Leadership Statements - CEO Jim Peko emphasized the need for seamless service and consistent quality across different locations, highlighting the strategic importance of Grant Thornton New Zealand's inclusion [4] - Russell Moore, CEO of Grant Thornton New Zealand, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting the demand for smarter solutions and global connectivity in an evolving market [4] Network and Future Plans - The expanded platform will remain part of Grant Thornton International Limited, which includes member firms in over 150 markets globally [5] - The transaction for Grant Thornton New Zealand to join the platform is anticipated to close before the end of 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Acclime has acquired Crowe Singapore, aiming to enhance its service offerings across the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions [1] - The merger will combine Crowe Singapore's expertise in assurance, tax, and advisory with Acclime's established presence in corporate governance, compliance, accounting, and fund administration [1][2] - The acquisition is expected to elevate client expectations through improved service delivery and integrated solutions [4] Company Strategy - The acquisition aligns with Acclime's strategy to become a full-service regional firm, expanding its capabilities and client value proposition [3][4] - Acclime has previously made similar acquisitions in Hong Kong SAR, Australia, and New Zealand to strengthen its advisory business [4][5] - The firm operates in 18 markets with a workforce exceeding 1,700 professionals, indicating significant operational scale [5] Client Impact - The merged operations will provide a consolidated suite of services to a diverse client base, including local businesses, regional companies, multinationals, funds, and family offices [2] - Crowe Singapore's managing partner emphasized the enhanced value and innovation that the merger will bring to clients [2]

Core Insights - Stannards aims to achieve a revenue target of A$100 million ($52.4 million) over the next two years, driven by expansion efforts since the involvement of private equity firm Pemba Capital Partners [1][5] - The company is positioning itself as a mid-tier entity in the accounting and advisory industry, focusing on attracting top talent and acquiring culturally aligned practices [5] Executive Appointments - Leah Roberts has been appointed as chief people officer, focusing on employee performance frameworks [2] - Romith Manju has joined to lead mergers and acquisitions, bringing experience from Blue Ocean Equities [2] - Brett Luckman, a former PwC director, has been appointed as chief technology officer to advance AI initiatives [2] - Olga Kotliar has been appointed as chief financial and operations officer, and Laurens Visscher will head the new grants and incentives practice [3] Growth and Acquisitions - Stannards has been selectively acquiring smaller firms, particularly "one or two-man band operations" [3] - Recent acquisitions include MC Tax Advisors, SME Valuations, and a Melbourne-based audit practice, with further details to be disclosed after a deal completion in January [4] - The firm has expanded its team to over 100 staff members, including 13 directors and partners [4] Financial Projections - The company forecasts a revenue of A$30 million ($19.8 million) for the current year and is pursuing further expansion with offers extended to five practices in Australia [5] - Stannards' strategy includes attracting commercially minded talent with competitive salaries and equity opportunities [5]

Core Insights - Dains Group has acquired Curo, a UK-based firm specializing in audit, tax, accounting, and advisory services, marking its fourth acquisition since receiving backing from IK Partners [1][2] Company Overview - Curo was founded in 2005 by Anna Madden and Julia Gallagher and has built a diverse client base, serving both UK and international clients [1] - The existing team at Curo will continue operations in Bromsgrove, led by co-founders Madden and Gallagher [3] Strategic Intent - The acquisition aims to enhance Dains Group's capabilities in delivering complex audits and cross-border tax work while maintaining a personal approach to client service [4] - Dains Group's CEO Richard McNeilly emphasized that Curo's reputation for technical excellence and strong client relationships aligns well with Dains' strengths [3][4] Advisory and Support - Dains received advisory services from DSW, PDW, Cyber Crowd, and Mercia for due diligence, while Curo was guided by Transcend Corporate for corporate finance and Shakespeare Martineau for legal matters [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Dains Group has acquired TBAT Innovation to enhance its advisory capabilities for SMEs in the UK and Ireland, marking a strategic expansion following private equity support from IK Partners [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Dains Group's acquisition of TBAT Innovation is its third since receiving private equity backing [1]. - Financial specifics of the deal have not been disclosed [1]. - TBAT Innovation specializes in securing R&D tax incentives and grant funding for businesses across various sectors [2]. Group 2: TBAT Innovation Overview - TBAT was founded in 2002 and provides advisory services in sectors such as engineering, software, AI, and health and life sciences [2]. - The company offers services including grant claim management and HMRC enquiry support [2]. - TBAT operates mainly from Castle Donington in Leicestershire, with consultants located throughout the UK [2]. Group 3: Leadership and Integration - TBAT will continue under the leadership of Ryan Mouncy, Sam Stephens, and Elaine Williams [3]. - The integration is expected to enhance Dains Group's existing tax and advisory offerings, thereby supporting SMEs in realizing their growth potential [4]. - Dains Group's CEO emphasized the shared client-centric mindset and commitment to delivering valuable advice between the two firms [4]. Group 4: Advisory Support in Acquisition - Dains Group received advisory support from various firms during the acquisition process, including DSW for financial and tax due diligence and PKF Smith Cooper for corporate finance guidance [5]. - TBAT was advised by Smith Partnership for legal counsel [5]. Group 5: Dains Group Service Portfolio - Dains Group's service offerings include accountancy, business services, audit, corporate finance, forensic accounting, probate, taxation, and outsourced financial director and HR support [6].