UK ACCOUNTING GIANTS MHA AND MHA MOORE AND SMALLEY SET TO MERGE
Capital and Trust - January 18, 2024 -
Two of the UK’s leading accounting firms, MHA and MHA Moore and Smalley, have announced plans to officially merge starting April 1, 2024. The merger will create a nationwide practice with 1,600 partners and staff operating across 21 offices.
This merger comes after a period of expansion for MHA, which opened new offices in Scotland and Wales for the first time in 2023. By joining forces, the two firms aim to enhance their service offerings for clients throughout the UK.
According to Rakesh Shaunak, Managing Partner and Chairman of MHA:
“Combining the talents and resources of MHA and MHA Moore and Smalley into a single partnership is a win-win for both firms and our people. All of our clients will benefit from access to expanded expertise across sectors and services. With our strong, shared cultures, the merger will also create new development and career opportunities for our staff and potential recruits.”
Graham Gordon, Managing Partner at MHA Moore and Smalley added:
“We’ve been part of the MHA network since it started in 2010 and added MHA to our name in 2017 as we began collaborating more closely with MHA partners. This merger marks the next strategic step for us and an important milestone for both firms. It will allow us to offer an exciting new proposition to clients while also giving our people the chance to be part of an ambitious new firm, helping attract even more talent in the coming years.”
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What this acquisition means for the buyer
For both MHA and MHA Moore and Smalley, the merger represents a strategic combination of resources, regional presence, and service capability. Bringing together two established firms with an existing relationship through the MHA network, the transaction reflects a progression from collaboration to full integration. The combined firm will operate across 21 offices with a significantly expanded team, supporting broader national coverage.
This type of merger may allow for greater sharing of sector expertise, operational infrastructure, and internal resources across the enlarged organisation. It also aligns with ongoing expansion activity, including MHA’s recent geographic growth into Scotland and Wales. Overall, the transaction reflects a move towards scale and integration within the UK accountancy market, where firms are increasingly combining to support long-term growth and operational resilience.
What this means for sellers in the sector
For accountancy firm owners, this merger highlights how long-standing network relationships can evolve into full integration over time. Firms already operating within alliances or networks may view this type of transaction as a potential pathway for future growth or succession planning.
It also reflects the increasing importance of scale, particularly in relation to talent attraction, service breadth, and operational infrastructure. Smaller or mid-sized firms may consider how they position themselves within a market where larger, multi-office organisations are continuing to expand. For some, this may involve exploring partnership or merger opportunities, while others may focus on maintaining independence through specialisation or niche service offerings.
Market trend context
The UK accountancy sector continues to see consolidation, driven by a combination of succession planning, regulatory complexity, and the need for investment in technology and people. Mergers between established firms—particularly those with existing network affiliations—are becoming more common as firms seek to formalise collaborative relationships.
There is also a growing focus on building national or multi-regional platforms capable of serving a broad client base across multiple sectors. Access to talent remains a key consideration, with larger firms often seeking to enhance their appeal through scale, career development opportunities, and wider service capabilities.
How Capital & Trust typically supports transactions like this
Capital & Trust acts as a business broker, working with firms to identify potential merger or acquisition opportunities that align with their strategic objectives. The firm facilitates introductions between relevant parties and supports initial engagement where there is mutual interest.
In transactions involving established firms or networks, Capital & Trust may assist in coordinating discussions and maintaining communication between stakeholders as conversations progress. Its role is focused on originating and facilitating introductions, while legal, financial, and regulatory aspects of the transaction are managed by professional advisers appointed by the parties.
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