Marston snaps up two debt collection agencies

ONE of Scotland’s largest independent debt collectors and enforcement agencies has been acquired by Marston Holdings for an undisclosed sum.

The English group has snapped up Edinburgh-based Scott & Co in a deal that also includes its sister company, AA Hutton, a collection and enforcement firm headquartered in Perth.

Scott & Co and AA Hutton employ a total of 275 staff between them, including 46 sheriff officers and messengers-at-arms, in 13 offices across Scotland.

Scott & Co has contracts with Scottish local authorities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, and works on behalf of solicitors and businesses, executing warrants and orders from the courts of Scotland and civil courts around the world.

David McLaughlin, managing partner at Scott & Co, and colleague Joy McLaughlin, will retain their existing roles in Scotland. The acquired firms will also continue to trade under their existing names within the Marston group.

Mr McLaughlin said: “Becoming part of Marston Holdings was a natural decision for us. We are well matched in terms of ethical standards, reputation and our leading positions in our respective marketplaces.

“Our commitment to our clients and to the provision of local services remains. Our existing management teams and staff will continue to deliver service excellence from our established office network and to play a key part in the future growth of our business.”

The acquisition swells the team at Marston, the UK’s largest judicial services group, to about 2000.