Carlisle-based accountancy firm Armstrong Watson has completed the acquisition West Cumbrian practice Gibbons Accountants, Business and Financial Advisors.
The merger, which took effect on April 29 sees a total of 56 staff join the firm and boosts the service offerings for West Cumbrian clients.
Armstrong Watson will move into Gibbons existing offices in Cockermouth, Maryport, Whitehaven and Workington. All offices will be represented under the Armstrong Watson Accountants, Business and Financial Advisors brand.
Gibbons partners Russell Thwaites, Philip Holdsworth, Tony Hindmoor, Mark Stanger and Steven Kirkbride have all joined Armstrong Watson along with 52 colleagues and will continue to provide a full range of services to their existing clients.
Both firms have a similar ethos and pride themselves on serving family, privately owned and owner managed businesses and individuals across the region.
Russell Thwaites said: “The decision to join forces with Armstrong Watson has been carefully considered and brings significant benefits to our clients and colleagues.
“We believe that clients will continue to receive the highest quality, personal service and for some it will give them the added benefit of being able to pull in the skills of a larger local and regional firm.
“The opportunities that exist at Armstrong Watson will benefit our clients and colleagues significantly.”
Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson chief executive said: “As one of the largest independent accounting and financial advisory firms in the UK and certainly the North, we are proud to announce this merger with Gibbons, a respected firm in West Cumbria where we have always held the partners and team in the highest regard.
“The combined business allows us to better support the economy in West Cumbria with a robust professional services firm, providing the necessary support that growing successful businesses need in the region. We have ambitious plans to continue to grow in Cumbria, supporting our clients to achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind.
“We are proud to be investing in the Cumbrian economy and supporting its growth in the region with our two firms coming together. This merger is a testament to our commitment to Cumbria and our belief in its full potential. Enhancing our combined client proposition and creating greater opportunities for both of our respective teams.”
This deal follows eight acquisitions for Armstrong Watson in the last three years, with the 157 year old firm expanding in Leeds, Newcastle and Carlisle where it has recently moved into its new Cumbrian headquarters in the city.
The merger also takes the total number of Armstrong Watson’s regional offices to 19, spanning from Glasgow to Manchester, with over 630 staff.
