Xeinadin, a provider of accountancy services and business advice, has acquired UK-based accountancy and business advisory practice Gregory Priestley & Stewart (GP&S). GP&S offers a broad range of professional services including audit, company secretarial support, corporate finance, general business consultancy, payroll, tax compliance and planning, and VAT. It also works with clients in a variety of specialist fields such as construction, audiology, property and education, as well as businesses with int ...

Core Insights - PKF Littlejohn Advisory UK has promoted Stratford Hamilton and Oliver Collinge to partner roles, highlighting the firm's commitment to enhancing its insolvency and advisory services [1][4] - The promotions reflect the increasing importance of investigative insolvency work amid rising scrutiny of financial irregularities and director conduct [2][3] Group 1: Promotions and Roles - Stratford Hamilton leads the Contentious Insolvency practice and has experience in corporate and bankruptcy cases related to data protection and digital services [1] - Oliver Collinge specializes in restructuring and formal insolvency procedures, advising management and investors on business rescue options and asset recovery in cases of fraud [2] Group 2: Industry Context - The expertise of insolvency practitioners is deemed crucial in the current volatile economic climate, focusing on preventing business failures and ensuring optimal outcomes for creditors [3] - PKF Littlejohn Advisory launched a new service in November to assist businesses struggling with tax arrears, indicating a proactive approach to support clients in financial distress [3]

Core Insights - Richey May has acquired Wagner, Kaplan, Duys & Wood (WKDW), a tax and advisory firm based in Rockville, Maryland, with the financial terms of the deal undisclosed [1] - The acquisition is part of Richey May's strategy to build a national platform by integrating regional and specialist practices, focusing on specialization, technology-enabled delivery, and a "people-first culture" [2] - WKDW clients will continue to work with their existing teams while gaining access to Richey May's broader resources and technical capabilities [2] Company Overview - Richey May, founded in 1985, offers services including audit, assurance, business advisory, cybersecurity, tax, and technology [3] - The company specializes in sectors such as mortgage banking, alternative investments, real estate, construction, and media [4] Advisory Insights - WKDW was advised on the transaction by Koltin Consulting Group, with CEO Allan D. Koltin highlighting WKDW as a leading CPA and advisory firm in the greater DC market [3] - The combination of WKDW and Richey May is expected to provide significant strategic advantages and growth opportunities for both firms, with expectations of further high-performing firms merging with Richey May in the future [3]

Core Insights - Dains, a UK-based accountancy and advisory services provider, is expanding into the North West market through the acquisition of Hurst, a peer company headquartered in Stockport Exchange [1][3] - Hurst has a team of 120 professionals and offers services in audit, tax advisory, corporate finance, and digital transformation [1] - The acquisition marks Dains' first move into the North West and its sixth deal since receiving private equity investment from IK Partners, aiming to build a leading SME advisory business in the UK and Ireland [3] Company Details - Hurst will retain its existing leadership team, including managing partner Tim Potter, who emphasized the shared commitment to helping businesses grow and the alignment of values between the two firms [2][4] - The acquisition enhances Dains' capabilities in audit, advisory, digital transformation, and outsourced finance, creating opportunities for further growth through shared expertise and collaboration [4] Strategic Goals - Dains aims to leverage the resources, investment, and expertise of the Dains Group to support Hurst's development while enhancing its own service offerings [2][3] - The deal is part of Dains' strategy to strengthen its UK footprint and pursue growth in the advisory sector, with a focus on quality, innovation, and long-term client relationships [4][5]

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]