UK-based accountancy and advisory services provider Dains has announced its expansion to the North West market with the acquisition of peer company Hurst. Hurst is headquartered at Stockport Exchange and works with clients across the UK as well as in overseas markets. It is led by managing partner Tim Potter, together with Mike Jackson and Simon Brownbill. Hurst has a team of 120 professionals and provides services spanning audit, tax advisory, corporate finance and digital transformation. Under the d ...

Core Viewpoint - The sale of UK accountancy practice Xeinadin has been paused due to bids falling short of the £1 billion ($1.36 billion) valuation sought by its private equity owner, Exponent [1][2]. Group 1: Sale Process and Valuation - Exponent initiated a competitive auction for Xeinadin but ended the sale effort as the interest did not translate into offers meeting the expected valuation [2]. - The abandoned sale process indicates potential valuation constraints in the recent boom of private equity deals for professional services businesses [2]. Group 2: Industry Trends - Accounting networks in the US, UK, and Europe have seen increased interest from buyout funds, leading to higher deal multiples as investors pursue a buy-and-build strategy [3]. - Many investors have been acquiring local tax and accounting firms to standardize systems and invest in technology, aiming to enhance margins and attract larger clients [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - Xeinadin was established in 2019 through the merger of over 100 independent accounting practices and has continued to grow through additional acquisitions [4]. - The company operates more than 130 offices in the UK and Ireland, employing around 2,500 staff and providing a range of professional services including audit, corporate finance, and tax to small and medium-sized businesses [4][5]. - Recently, Xeinadin expanded its presence in London by acquiring Grunberg [5].

Core Insights - Azets has increased its accountancy graduate recruitment by 15%, hiring 384 graduates and school leavers in the UK, despite many firms in the sector reducing entry-level roles [1][3] - The company aims to use AI to enhance the work of junior staff rather than replace them, allowing new hires to focus on advisory roles while automating routine compliance tasks [3][4] - Azets completed the acquisition of Ensors, a chartered accountancy business, earlier in 2025, expanding its service portfolio [4][5] Regional Breakdown - The new graduate intake is distributed regionally, with 70% in the South and North East & Yorkshire, 64% in Central & West, 55% in Scotland, 46% in National Service Lines, and 40% in the North West [2] Strategic Vision - The CEO of Azets emphasized the importance of investing in graduate recruitment to prepare for future client demands and to ensure the growth of the business and the sector [3] - By automating routine tasks, Azets enables new staff to learn valuable advisory skills and progress more quickly in their careers, ultimately adding greater value to client businesses [4]

Core Insights - Grant Thornton International is exploring strategic options for its Indian unit, including selling a minority stake or merging with its US or European operations [1][2] - The Indian unit is valued at over $2 billion, with intentions to maintain a significant share in the event of a merger [3] - The company aims to align with the Indian government's vision of developing competitive accounting and consulting firms against the Big Four [4] Group 1 - Grant Thornton Bharat is considering aligning with a global private equity-backed platform or raising private equity capital directly [2] - Preliminary discussions are ongoing with New Mountain Capital and Cinven regarding potential partnerships [2] - The Indian branch employs over 12,000 people and operates across 28 sectors, providing audit, advisory, tax, and regulatory services [4] Group 2 - Grant Thornton Bharat LLP is registered under the Indian Limited Liability Partnership Act and is headquartered in New Delhi [5] - Each member firm of Grant Thornton International operates independently, indicating a decentralized structure [5]

Core Insights - Xeinadin, a UK-based accounting firm, has acquired Cooper Dawn Jerrom (CDJ), enhancing its presence in London and expanding its expertise in key trading sectors [1][5] Company Overview - CDJ is recognized for its association with the Western International Market and offers a range of financial services, including audit, accountancy, and tax advisory [1] - The firm specializes in payroll management and business consulting, particularly for family-run businesses and international trading entities [2] Community Engagement - CDJ has actively participated in community projects, notably collaborating with The Felix Project to redirect over 1,200 tonnes of edible surplus food to vulnerable populations in London [3] - The firm is involved in community-oriented programs, including partnerships with food-redistribution charities, which help manage costs in a challenging sector [2] Strategic Fit - CDJ partners expressed that Xeinadin's understanding of modern accounting demands, such as AI and compliance, was a key factor in the merger [4] - The acquisition is expected to provide CDJ with the necessary infrastructure to better support clients facing rising costs, staffing shortages, and regulatory changes [4] Client Benefits - Clients will have access to Xeinadin's cloud-based tools and specialist advisory services while continuing to work with the existing local team [5] - Xeinadin's CEO highlighted that CDJ embodies the type of practice the firm aims to integrate, emphasizing community trust and forward-thinking approaches [5]

Core Insights - There is a significant concern regarding the low uptake of R&D tax credits in Northern Ireland, with only 1,305 claims made in the 2023/24 tax year, representing a 22% decrease from the previous year [1][2] - Despite substantial investments in R&D activities, including £245 million ($329.2 million) for 726 projects supported by Invest NI in the 2024/25 period, the engagement with the R&D Tax Credit scheme remains lower than expected [2] - The upcoming £100 million Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) led by Queen's University, set to open in 2026, is anticipated to encourage more companies to apply for R&D Tax Credits [3] Industry Context - Northern Ireland has a strong reputation for innovation across various sectors, including aerospace, biomedical research, and digital innovation, yet the low number of R&D claims indicates potential limitations for future growth [4] - R&D tax relief is crucial for supporting innovation, particularly for SMEs, as it aids in product development, creates skilled jobs, and attracts further investment [5] - The lack of eligible companies claiming R&D tax relief could hinder growth in sectors where Northern Ireland already holds a competitive advantage [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 Insights - Forvis Mazars has appointed ten new partners in its UK offices, reflecting an investment in workforce and talent development [1][6] - The new partners bring diverse expertise in audit, tax, and financial planning, enhancing the firm's service offerings [1][2] - The appointments are part of a strategy to strengthen various sectors, including Infrastructure, Energy, and Technology Assurance [1][4] Partner Appointments - Karishma Merchant will oversee the Infrastructure and Energy sector, bringing over 20 years of experience [1] - Josh Thorneycroft leads Debt Advisory, focusing on service expansion through recruitment and collaboration [2] - Paul Simmons is tasked with leading the financial planning team, specifically for the Private Client business in London [2] Sector Focus - Mark Saldua will lead regulatory liaison and internal quality monitoring, enhancing audit impairment services [2][3] - Robbie White heads the Data Analytics Hub, focusing on custom analytics and automation solutions [3] - Richard Tidball will lead corporate tax services with a national focus on restructuring and insolvency [3] Regional Developments - Tommy Cooke aims to grow the Milton Keynes audit practice, focusing on large and listed audits [4] - Simon Withington will spearhead Technology Assurance within the Consulting practice in Newcastle [4] - Sean Cockburn is set to expand the International Private Client business in Scotland, focusing on cross-border taxation [5] Leadership Statements - CEO James Gilbey emphasized the firm's commitment to talent development and delivering an unparalleled client experience [6]

Core Insights - MGI Worldwide has welcomed MGI Ryan, a Dublin-based accountancy firm, as a new member in the UK and Ireland region, enhancing its global network [1][5] - MGI Ryan has been operational since 1933, offering a range of services including assurance, audit, taxation, corporate finance, business development, and corporate recovery [1] - The firm serves a diverse clientele, including local businesses and international companies that may not receive adequate services from larger accounting firms [1] Company Strategy - MGI Ryan's managing partner, Derek Ryan, emphasized that joining MGI Worldwide is a strategic move to meet modern professional service needs, allowing the firm to provide expertise globally [2] - The membership facilitates collaboration among MGI members, aligning with MGI Ryan's firm ethos and enhancing service offerings to clients [2][3] Commitment to Global Network - MGI Ryan is dedicated to actively participating in the MGI Worldwide community, engaging in international conferences and events to foster connections and share ideas [3] - The adoption of the MGI prefix is intended to enhance the firm's visibility and credibility, signaling its association with a respected global brand [3][4] Competitive Advantage - The affiliation with MGI Worldwide strengthens MGI Ryan's credibility in competing for cross-border work, reassuring multinational clients of consistent standards while maintaining local independence [4]

Core Insights - RSM has been named a supplier on three government frameworks, enhancing its position in the public sector following strategic investments in its practice [1][4] - The agreements with the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) allow RSM to provide a range of services including internal and external audit, counter fraud investigation, and management consultancy [2][4] - RSM's public sector practice has experienced a 30% growth, supported by strategic team enhancements and recruitment of experienced professionals [5] Group 1 - RSM is included in the Audit & Assurance Services Two (A&AS2) framework, allowing it to offer various audit and assurance services [1][2] - The company has also been appointed to the Management Consultancy Services Framework Four (MCF4), focusing on strategy, finance, and transformation [2][4] - RSM has been reappointed to the NHS SBS Audit Services for Health framework, providing a range of governance and audit services [4][5] Group 2 - RSM's strategic investment includes expanding its UK team and leveraging expertise from its global network, particularly from the US, Canada, and Ireland [3][5] - The company aims to address significant public sector challenges and promote sustainable change through its services [4][5] - Recent recruitment efforts include bringing in a tax partner focused on the energy sector, indicating a targeted approach to client service [6]