ECI Partners invests in accountancy practice Shaw Gibbs

Mid-market private equity house ECI Partners has agreed to invest in UK-headquartered accounting and advisory practice Shaw Gibbs.

The parties did not disclose the financial details of the transaction.

ECI partner Michael Butler said: “Shaw Gibbs stood out to us as one of the most client-centric businesses in the accountancy space, with the platform to scale their consistently high-quality service.

“Their breadth of service offering, culture and employee proposition, on top of a track record of integrating high-quality businesses, gives them an excellent platform for further growth.”

The deal facilitates a complete exit for Apiary Capital, which first backed Shaw Gibbs in 2022.

Shaw Gibbs provides tax, audit, accounting and advisory services to private individuals, entrepreneurial businesses, and public sector/non‑profit organisations.

During its partnership with Apiary, the accountancy group executed 14 acquisitions to broaden its geographic presence throughout the UK and Ireland.

Among its recent transactions were the additions of Martin and Company, Alliotts and Irish practice Crowleys DFK.

Shaw Gibbs said it selected ECI to guide its forthcoming expansion due to the investor’s background in scaling “relationship-led businesses”.

Shaw Gibbs CEO Peter O’Connell said: “This investment reflects the strength of our business, the success of our strategy, and our continued position as a firm of choice for talented people, clients and high-quality firms looking to join us.

“With Apiary Capital’s support, we have built a market-leading accountancy firm, and I am excited to partner with ECI for this next stage of our growth.

“They understand our focus on culture and clients and offer hands-on support for continuing to invest in the team and innovation through technology, which will support further sustainable growth.

“This is an important milestone for Shaw Gibbs, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole team.”