Professional services firm Dains has significantly strengthened its national footprint with the strategic acquisition of Stockport-based advisory group HURST. This landmark deal represents a deliberate and long-planned expansion into the North West region for the Birmingham-headquartered company.
A Strategic Market Entry
The acquisition marks Dains' sixteenth transaction completed over the past five years, demonstrating the firm's ambitious growth strategy. Since securing private equity investment from IK Partners in 2004, Dains has pursued an aggressive acquisition programme as part of its mission to establish itself as the leading SME advisory business across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Richard McNeilly, Chief Executive Officer of Dains, emphasised the strategic importance of this move, stating: "Entering the North West has been a strategic priority for our organisation. We recognise this region as one of the UK's fastest growing and most entrepreneurial areas, making it essential for our national expansion plans."
Integrating Established Expertise
HURST, founded in 1982 and headquartered at Stockport Exchange, brings substantial expertise to the partnership. The firm's 120-strong team will be integrated into Dains' operations, with existing leadership remaining in place. Managing Partner Tim Potter continues to lead alongside partners Mike Jackson, who heads business services, and Simon Brownbill, responsible for practice development.
McNeilly praised HURST's reputation, noting: "HURST represents an exceptional firm with a well-deserved reputation for quality, innovation and maintaining long-term client relationships. Their organisational culture, core values and business ambitions closely align with our own strategic vision."
Shared Vision for Growth
Tim Potter, Managing Partner of HURST, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: "Becoming part of Dains feels like the natural progression for our firm's development. We share a fundamental commitment to supporting ambitious businesses through their growth journeys, and we recognise in Dains the same dedication to investing in people, technology and delivering best-in-class client service."
Potter highlighted how the partnership would enhance capabilities, explaining: "This strategic combination significantly improves our ability to scale operations, drive innovation and provide comprehensive support to clients across local, national and international markets."
Advisory Support for the Transaction
The acquisition process involved multiple professional advisory firms. Dains received support from Eight Advisory for financial and tax due diligence, Mercia for technical due diligence, and PDW for customer referencing services. Meanwhile, HURST engaged Buzzacott for corporate finance and tax advisory services, with DWF providing legal counsel throughout the transaction process.
This acquisition represents a significant development in the UK's professional services landscape, bringing together two established firms with complementary strengths and shared ambitions for national growth and client service excellence.
