Duo of accountancy firms eye growth after being bought by Uk-wide player

● Campbell Dallas and Springfords will retain trading names under transaction

Scottish accountancy firms Campbell Dallas and Springfords say they will be able to accelerate growth after joining a rival that is one of the UK’S fastest-growing firms in the sector and part of a global business services group.

The two organisations have joined accounting, tax and advisory firm Baldwins, which is part of the Cogitalgroup. The latter launched in December and following the latest acquisitions will have more than 4,600 staff operating from 137 offices in seven countries.

The deal will see all Campbell Dallas and Springfords partners transfer to Baldwins, with the Campbell Dallas and Springfords trading names retained, along with both firms’ combined eight-office structure. Each of the businesses will continue to be led and managed by their respective Scottish partners.

Chris Horne, managing partner at Campbell Dallas, which has five offices across Scotland and 260 staff and partners, said: “Joining Baldwins will allow us to increase our investment in the business, in particular technology, and continue to grow our market share. We are firmly focused on the owner-managed business and entrepreneurial market, which is also the area of focus for Baldwins and the wider Cogitalgroup.

“Going forward it will very much be ‘business as usual’… but with our business now enhanced by the scale, investment capacity and specialisations within Baldwins and the Cogitalgroup and the added benefits of being part of an international group.”

Patricia Reekie, partner at Springfords, which is present in Edinburgh, Livingston and Falkirk and has 40 staff and partners, said: “This is a great opportunity to grow the business in Scotland, and will enhance the resources we have available to assist and support our clients across a variety of sectors and areas of expertise.”

She added that the firm will also be able to “embrace the challenges of technological and legislative changes ahead”.davidbaldwin,adirector at Baldwins, which has 53 offices in the UK and turnover of £90m, added: “Joining forces with Campbell Dallas and Springfords will lead to further growth for both businesses. Both firms are widely regarded for their focus on the SME sector, and they are both entrepreneurial, growth-oriented businesses..”

Edinburgh-based legal services company Vialex advised Springfords on its sale, saying it is one of many deals it has handled over the last year, recently working with Innis & Gunn on an equity stake sale.