MHA, the UK independent member firm of Baker Tilly International, has announced a merger with Edinburgh-based accountancy firm Geoghegans.
Geoghegans provides a full complement of accountancy services for clients in the capital and across Scotland, including accounts, compliance and advisory, audit and assurance and corporate finance.
The merger will enhance the services offered to existing clients, while expanding MHA’s offering across the UK in line with the firm’s growth strategy.
This is MHA’s second merger in Scotland, the first being with Aberdeen accountancy firm Meston Reid & Co in October 2023.
The Edinburgh merger is the fourth deal MHA has completed in the past year following mergers with two firms in Wales.
Geoghegans’ office at St Colme Street, Edinburgh, has been rebranded under the MHA banner. All four partners – Euan Fernie, Iain Binnie, Lachlan Fernie and Paul Marshall – will remain – and become partners at MHA.
Rakesh Shaunak, Managing Partner and Chairman of MHA, said: “This further expansion is hugely significant for MHA. We highlighted after the Meston Reid & Co merger that we would be looking to expand further in Scotland and this has been achieved.
“Geoghegans is an excellent merger for us as it enables a move into the thriving Edinburgh market and further into Scotland with a firm which aligns well with our values and commitment to customer service.
“This move will enable Geoghegans’ clients to retain a highly personal local service, with the added offering of accessing an enhanced range of specialists nationally and internationally.
“We are retaining all staff in the Edinburgh office, while expanding opportunities for staff development and recruitment. We would not rule out further growth into Scotland.”
Euan Fernie, Senior Partner, said: “Partnering with MHA – a larger and ambitious firm – means we can expand our offering to clients through the vast network of specialists that will become available. Servicing our valued clients well has always been our top priority and this ethos is more than matched by MHA whose principles are hugely aligned.”
MHA, ranked the 13th largest accountancy group in the UK, has a strong SME focus with clients in the construction, manufacturing, consumer, renewables, agriculture, food and drink and charity sectors. It also supports larger firms with international operations. The practice has 1,740 staff and partners and, now, 21 offices across the UK.
All 64 staff will stay with Geoghegans, which has a diverse client base from SMEs to larger companies across a variety of sectors, including financial services, engineering, property, construction and farms & estates.
The introduction was facilitated by Foulger Underwood on behalf of MHA.
This latest move comes after a recent announcement by MHA and North of England firm MHA Moore and Smalley of an intention to formally merge from April 1, 2024.
For more information on MHA, please visit https://www.mha.co.uk/
