UK-based accountancy and advisory services provider Dains has announced its expansion to the North West market with the acquisition of peer company Hurst.

Hurst is headquartered at Stockport Exchange and works with clients across the UK as well as in overseas markets.

It is led by managing partner Tim Potter, together with Mike Jackson and Simon Brownbill.

Hurst has a team of 120 professionals and provides services spanning audit, tax advisory, corporate finance and digital transformation.

Under the deal, the existing Hurst leadership team will remain in place and continue to oversee the company’s development, while accessing the wider resources, investment and expertise of the Dains Group.

Potter said: “Joining Dains feels like the natural next chapter for our firm. We share a commitment to helping ambitious businesses grow, and we recognise in Dains the same drive to invest in people, technology and best-in-class client service.

“This partnership enhances our ability to scale, innovate and support clients locally, nationally and internationally.”

The transaction is Dains’ first move into the North West and its sixth deal since receiving private equity investment from IK Partners.

It is also the 16th acquisition completed by the group since 2021 as it pursues its strategy to build what it describes as “the leading SME [small and medium-sized enterprise] advisory business in the UK and Ireland”.

The addition of Hurst strengthens Dains’ specialist capabilities in audit, advisory, digital transformation and outsourced finance.

The companies said the deal also creates scope for further growth, driven by shared sector expertise, collaboration across regions and a combined focus on supporting businesses.

Dains CEO Richard McNeilly said: “Hurst is an exceptional firm with a reputation for quality, innovation and long-term client relationships.

“Their culture, values and ambition closely mirror our own, and this acquisition marks an exciting next step in our growth story.”