AAB announce deal with Kreston Reeves creating a £200m+ group

Leading professional services firms, AAB and Kreston Reeves, have today announced a landmark deal that will take the combined business beyond £200 million in annual revenue, marking a significant step in both firms’ long-term growth strategy. The combined business will employ more than 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland.

AAB has invested in Kreston Reeves, supported by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, significantly enhancing AAB’s scale, geographic reach and service capability, strengthening its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing mid-market advisory firms. This transformational deal is the largest AAB have completed to date and marks the 18^th since AAB initially secured private equity investment in 2021.

Kreston Reeves, a leading accountancy and business advisory firm in the South East of England with over £50m revenue, and more than 550 people across 7 offices in London, Kent and Sussex. The firm has a 200+ year heritage and an experienced team of people delivering a high-touch, personalised client service and strong supportive culture. Kreston Reeves brings complementary expertise across audit, accounting, tax and advisory services along with a diversified portfolio of SME and mid-market clients that is very well aligned with the existing AAB client base. The joining of forces with Kreston Reeves underlines AAB’s strategy of identifying high-quality professional service firms that align with its culture, values and commitment to sustainable growth.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB, commented:

“This is a major milestone for AAB and a clear demonstration of our ambition to become the leading professional services firm serving the mid-market. Growing the group beyond £200 million revenue is not about growth for growth’s sake – it’s about building a resilient, sustainable business that delivers long-term value for our clients, our people and our communities.

This is our third deal since our investment deal with Goldman Sachs Alternatives was completed two months ago, and we are hugely excited about the future opportunities ahead as we continue to scale by combining businesses who share our dedication to putting clients at the heart of everything we do.”

Richard Spofforth, Managing Partner at Kreston Reeves, added:

“This is a significant milestone for our business, people and clients. Building on the strengths we have at Kreston Reeves, it will create new opportunities for our talented colleagues. For our clients, it will provide them with access to broader specialist expertise together with greater geographic reach.

“Most importantly, AAB shares the same values as Kreston Reeves, giving us a combined platform for sustainable long-term growth.”

Jose Barreto, Partner, and Mihir Lal, Managing Director, Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, commented:

“We are very excited about the strategic combination of AAB and Kreston Reeves. This partnership accelerates our vision for a national presence across the UK and Ireland, delivering essential scale in the South-East of England. The deep cultural alignment between AAB and Kreston Reeves will strengthen the collective offering for both customers and employees.”

AAB’s strategic expansion plan is set to continue with further investment opportunities already under discussion to strengthen its regional and national footprint.

The partnership is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Spring 2026.

AAB was advised by Goldman Sachs International (financial adviser), Addleshaw Goddard, and Linklaters (legal advisers).

AAB accelerates growth in Ireland with O’Connor Pyne deal

Leading professional services firm, AAB, has invested in O’Connor Pyne & Co, a Munster-based firm of chartered accountants employing 65 people. The firm is led by three senior partners: Conor Pyne, Tomas O’Connor and Oriel Lawton.

Through a deal with Ormsby & Rhodes, one of Ireland’s longest-established accountancy firms in January 2025, AAB achieved €120m annual revenue. The O’Connor Pyne deal boosts AAB’s business in Ireland to €20m, employing more than 200 people.

As part of its expansion in the Munster region, it is intended that AAB’s office will be a flagship building located in the Ballincollig area. The move will reflect the firm’s long-term commitment to investing in regional capability, talent and client service.

Founded more than 20 years ago, O’Connor Pyne & Co has built a strong reputation for delivering a broad range of professional services to clients across Ireland. O’Connor Pyne & Co also has long–standing links with Munster Technological University, with graduates forming a core part of its well–established graduate programme. AAB plans to scale its Munster operations significantly over the coming two years through a combination of organic growth and selective acquisitions.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive of AAB, said:“Bringing O’Connor Pyne into AAB is an important milestone in the continued development of our business in Ireland. O’Connor Pyne is a highly respected firm with a strong client focus and a culture that closely aligns with our own. This investment allows us to build scale in Munster while broadening the services and specialist expertise available to clients in the region.”

Tomás O’Connor , Founding Partner of O’Connor Pyne & Co, said:“This is a very positive step for our clients and our people. Joining AAB gives us access to a broader range of expertise, technology and investment while allowing us to continue delivering the close, partner-led service that has defined O’Connor Pyne for more than two decades. We see this as a platform for long-term growth in Munster and beyond.”

AAB now employs over 1,200 people across 18 locations. AAB’s scale, ambition and momentum reflect a business that is strongly positioned for its next chapter of expansion with the backing of Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

AAB strengthens UK presence with acquisition of GS Verde to create regional hub in Wales & South West

Combined business becomes Top 5 Dealmakers in the UK (based on Experian reports)

Leading professional services firm AAB has acquired GS Verde Group, marking its expansion into Wales and the South West, while establishing a platform to build a key regional hub.

The GS Verde Group operates as a multi-discipline advisory firm, specialising in guiding businesses through a wide range of corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions, management buyouts, investments, and employee ownership transitions. The firm employs over 50 people and supports clients from offices in Cardiff, Bristol, Cheltenham and Dublin.

The deal takes AAB’s turnover to £135 million, and the acquisition of GS Verde is the first deal following the recent investment by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, which aims to accelerate growth across the UK and Ireland.

The combination of the businesses also propels AAB into the top 5 dealmakers across the UK based on the latest available data from Experian for the first half of 2025. GS Verde will continue to operate under its existing brand before transitioning to AAB in due course. The regional management team will remain in place to drive the next phase of expansion.

GS Verde has earned recognition as an award-winning business, known for its disruptive approach, strong M&A rankings, and its ability to complete several strategic acquisitions in recent years. Its multi-service structure and entrepreneurial culture make it a natural fit with AAB’s vision to deliver integrated, expert-led services to clients across all sectors.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive of AAB said: “GS Verde’s entrepreneurial DNA and multi-discipline offering mirror our own approach and make this an incredibly strong growth opportunity for both teams. Together, we achieve top 5 deal making status while creating a key regional hub that creates our presence in Wales and the South West supporting clients with even greater depth and expertise.”

Nigel Greenaway, CEO of GS Verde, added: “Joining AAB marks the next exciting step in our journey. We’ve built a business that challenges the traditional professional services model, and partnering with AAB allows us to accelerate that ambition. Our clients and our people will continue as before – but with the backing of a Group that shares our vision for innovation, growth, and exceptional client service.”

The acquisition is part of AAB’s strategic expansion plan, with further acquisitions already under discussion to strengthen its regional and national footprint. AAB now employs over 1,100 people across 17 locations in the UK and Ireland.

AAB Announces New Senior Non-Executive Director as Firm Enters Next Phase of Growth

Elona Mortimer-Zhika, previous CEO at IRIS Software joins AAB as Senior Non-Executive Director
Regulators approve Goldman Sachs Alternatives acquisition of AAB

Leading professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director alongside the closure of the deal agreed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives to acquire the firm from August Equity.

The transition marks a significant milestone for AAB, positioning the company to maintain its trajectory of sustained growth, while ensuring continuity for clients and further strengthening its reputation in the professional services market. AAB has tripled in size in three years with annual revenue now exceeding £125 million.

Elona Mortimer-Zhika is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in driving growth, transformation and operational excellence within technology and service-based industries. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of IRIS Software Group, a global SaaS software business, where she led the company through a period of substantial expansion. Under her leadership, IRIS tripled in size, transitioned to a cloud-first platform model, expanded internationally, and completed multiple strategic acquisitions.

Prior to becoming CEO, Elona held senior roles as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at IRIS, following a successful career in finance and management within leading professional services and private equity-backed companies. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting and Economics.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB commented: “We are delighted to welcome Elona to our Board. Her proven leadership, deep understanding of scaling high-growth businesses in our industry, and commitment to innovation will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our strategic ambitions.”

Elona Mortimer-Zhika added: “I am excited to join AAB at such a pivotal time in its journey. The company’s vision and focus on delivering exceptional client service strongly align with my own passion for building resilient, high-performing organisations.”

As a Non-Executive Director, Elona will contribute to AAB’s strategic direction, governance and oversight, bringing her extensive experience in financial management and digital transformation to the AAB Board of Directors.

Jose Barreto, Partner within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, who are supporting AAB’s continued development, added:

“As a Top 25 Accounting firm in the UK, we see AAB going from strength to strength and fast becoming a leading provider of professional services to the UK and Irish mid-market. We’re delighted that the deal has now concluded and look forward to leveraging our experience to support AAB through this hugely exciting stage in its evolution.”

“We are very pleased to see Elona join the AAB Board. Her proven ability to lead and scale complex, high-growth organisations will provide valuable strategic insight as AAB continues its impressive expansion.”

As a result of the deal, AAB will further accelerate its growth journey delivering the high-quality service and specialist expertise that clients have come to rely on with the added benefit of increased investment in technology, AI and automation.

AAB and August Equity were advised by William Blair and Alantra (Corporate Finance), OC&C (Commercial), PwC (Financial and Tax) and Addleshaw Goddard (Legal). Goldman Sachs was advised on the transaction by Houlihan Lokey and Rothschild (M&A), Linklaters (Legal), EY Parthenon (Commercial), and EY (Financial & Tax).

AAB Expands its English Footprint as Barlow Andrews Name Retires

The name Barlow Andrews has been a familiar one to business owners in Bolton and across Greater Manchester for more than a century. This week, the heritage accountancy firm officially rebranded as AAB – a step that highlights its alignment with the professional services challenger brand, and its focus on delivering specialist, full-service support to growing regional businesses.

The rebrand comes 12 months after Barlow Andrews joined rapidly expanding AAB. AAB has been backed by private equity since 2021 and has been on an impressive growth journey, trebling in size in that time.

The Barlow Andrews brand was synonymous with continuity and a personal touch. Its client base of family-run businesses, entrepreneurs, GPs and high-net-worth individuals spans generations.

As businesses scale and seek advice on specialist areas like corporate finance, digital transformation, and cross-border growth, regional firms increasingly need scale and specialist expertise.

That, says AAB, is exactly what this rebrand delivers.

“Barlow Andrews has been part of AAB since October 2024, bringing the brand fully into the group signals our intent to build a unified brand in the UK,” said Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB. “We’re investing in the North West because this region is a powerhouse of entrepreneurial business. Rebranding legacy firms under a single name is a bold move, but it is one that will build recognition of AAB across the UK market.”

For existing clients, AAB stresses that very little will change day-to-day. The same partners and teams remain in place, but they are now backed by a broader firm.

Chris Harland, Head of Office – Bolton at AAB commented: “This is a proud moment for our team. We are building on the strong heritage of Barlow Andrews while embracing the opportunities that being part of AAB brings. Our clients will see the same faces they’ve always known, but now with access to an even wider range of expertise to help them achieve their ambitions.”

The rebrand is more than cosmetic, it reflects AAB’s ambition to be seen not just as a collection of regional firms, but as a national player with a distinctive culture. With recent acquisitions in Dublin and London, plus investments in technology and its people, the group is positioning itself as a fast-growth, private equity backed disruptor in the professional services market.

Since 2021, AAB has trebled in size and now employs more than 1,000 people. AAB’s scale-up is set to continue in line with its ambitious 2030 growth strategy.

Dublin Leadership Summit Returns for 4th Year with Powerful Speaker Line-Up

The Dublin Leadership Summit returns for its fourth year on 2nd October 2025 at the iconic Leopardstown Racecourse, bringing together some of Ireland’s most respected voices in business, sport, science and innovation.

Proudly presented by leading professional services firm AAB and The Dublin Network, the 2025 Summit offers a platform for real conversations about leadership, growth, and resilience in a changing world.

The event will once again be hosted by the “guru of global philanthropy,” Kingsley Aikins, CEO of The Networking Institute. Kingsley is a renowned expert on the power of connection and building professional relationships, with a career spanning six countries and key roles in trade promotion, diaspora engagement, and philanthropy. A TEDx speaker and CBE awardee for his work on British-Irish relations, Kingsley has developed a methodology that teaches professionals how to build and leverage strong networks to thrive in business and life. Kingsley, with his colleague, Dr. Martin Russell, has established The Diaspora Institute, and they have worked with over 50 countries around the world, helping them establish diaspora engagement strategies.

Featured Speakers:

Caroline Keeling, Non-Executive Director and Former CEO of Keelings
Caroline is the former CEO of Keelings, one of Ireland’s largest fruit and vegetable distributors, and now leads CBA Ventures, investing in digital and nutritional healthcare. She is Chair of BEATS Medical, a National Council member of IBEC, and sits on the board of Enterprise Ireland’s Leadership 4 Growth programme. Caroline is also active in philanthropy through roles with Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Valid Nutrition, and the Ifrah Foundation, and has represented Ireland in the Polo World Cup.

Orlaith Ryan, Co-Founder, CTO & Board Member of Shorla Oncology
A trailblazer in biotech and pharmaceutical innovation, Orlaith brings over 15 years’ experience in regulatory affairs and oncology development. Under her leadership, Shorla has brought four cancer treatments to the U.S. market, addressing critical unmet medical needs. She is also a Chartered Scientist, governance expert, and educator in regulatory affairs across Europe.

Michael McCambridge, Managing Director of McCambridge
At the helm of a third-generation family food business celebrating its 80th anniversary, Michael has led McCambridge to become a category leader in Irish traditional breads. A finalist in the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards, he champions sustainable business practices, lean operations, and strong Irish provenance.

Book your place today

Tickets are available for a donation amount, with 100% of proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping to support families of seriously ill children across Ireland.

“We’re proud to bring the Dublin Leadership Summit back in 2025,” said Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB. “This event reflects the kind of ambition, curiosity and connection we value at AAB – and it’s a brilliant way to bring business leaders together for a greater purpose.”

Les Dunne from The Dublin Network added, “This summit started as a local idea to spark bigger conversations, and it’s grown into a truly national event. Our speakers this year reflect the diversity, talent and courage of leadership in Ireland today – and we’re honoured to help raise funds for such an important charity.”

Whether you’re a senior executive, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, this event offers a rare opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to a powerful cause.

Find out more and secure your ticket today.

AAB shortlisted for Xero and Accounting Excellence National Awards

Leading professional services firm AAB, has been named as a finalist in several prestigious national awards, reflecting the firm’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional client service, driving digital transformation, and providing market-leading expertise across multiple disciplines.

The first of these awards comes from leading online accounting software provider, Xero. AAB has been shortlisted for “National Partner of the Year” in the 2025 Xero Awards – one of just three firms recognised in this category nationwide.

The Xero Awards celebrate excellence among firms using Xero’s cloud-based accounting platform. The “National Partner of the Year” award is reserved for partners with a significant national presence who demonstrate outstanding client care, visionary use of Xero technology, and strong advocacy of cloud accounting.

Xero is a key partner for AAB’s Digital Advisory team, who help SMEs across the UK streamline their financial operations, enhance performance, and unlock new opportunities for growth. Services include systems reviews, digital health checks, software training, and full-scale migrations to cloud accounting platforms like Xero.

Graham Dyer, Head of Digital Advisory at AAB, commented: “Xero has transformed the way our clients manage their finances – delivering real-time insights and improving efficiency across the board. We’ve worked closely with Xero as a Platinum Partner for many years, and it’s fantastic to be recognised in this way for helping businesses succeed through smarter, cloud-first solutions.”

In addition to the Xero Awards, AAB has also been shortlisted in three categories at the 2025 Accounting Excellence Awards – widely regarded as one of the industry’s most respected award platforms.

AAB is a finalist for:

Large Firm of the Year
Tax Team of the Year
Audit Firm of the Year

These categories acknowledge firms delivering excellence at scale, with a particular focus on client impact, team innovation, and the ability to serve complex needs across a wide range of business types and sectors.

AAB’s audit and tax teams are recognised for their deep expertise in working with large corporates, mid-market enterprises, and international businesses, while also providing a broad range of integrated services. Whether navigating complex multi-jurisdictional tax matters or adapting to new audit regulations, AAB continues to lead with specialist knowledge, senior-level client relationships, and a strong commitment to quality and collaboration.

John Beevers, Head of Professional Services at AAB, commented: “Being shortlisted for four national awards across Xero and Accounting Excellence is an incredible honour. It’s a reflection of the outstanding work our teams do – from helping SMEs embrace cloud accounting, to supporting complex businesses with bespoke tax and audit services. The award categories align with our brand, expertise and client-centric ethos, reinforcing the value we deliver every day. It’s a proud moment for our team and underscores their commitment to our clients.”

Since 2021, AAB has trebled in size and now employs more than 1,000 people. The rapid growth journey is set to continue as part of delivering its ambitious growth strategy for 2030. 

AAB appoints Mark Lappin as Head of Tax to drive strategic growth

Leading professional services firm AAB, has announced the appointment of Mark Lappin as Head of Tax, reinforcing the firm’s ambition to deliver market-leading tax services across the UK, and globally.

Based in London, Mark brings more than 25 years of experience in tax advisory and commercial leadership, including senior roles at EY, where he led go-to-market and sales strategies for the tax division. During his time there, he worked across a global client base, significantly increasing client engagement and driving substantial revenue growth.

At AAB, Mark will lead the continued evolution of the firm’s tax proposition, focused on strategic segmentation, sector alignment, and performance-led delivery. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for AAB’s tax discipline, aligning with the firm’s continued expansion and investment in serving complex client needs across multiple service lines.

The strength of AAB’s tax team has been recognised nationally, with the firm recently shortlisted for ‘Tax Team of the Year’ at the 2025 Accounting Excellence Awards.

Mark commented:

“We are at a pivotal point in the evolution of tax, both in terms of increasing complexity and accelerating change. The expectations of clients, regulators, and our own people are shifting rapidly. Whether it’s navigating the impact of global tax reform, embracing technological transformation, or responding to new compliance and transparency demands, the tax landscape is fundamentally changing.

What attracted me to AAB is the ability to address these challenges head-on, with a team that blends technical excellence with a people-first mindset. AAB’s breadth of expertise, from corporate tax to innovation, indirect tax, customs and private client services, means we can support every type of client, from individuals to SMEs and multi-entity international businesses, under one roof. I’m excited to help our teams and our clients not just respond to these changes, but to capitalise on the opportunities they present.”

John Beevers, Head of Professional Services at AAB, added:

“We’re thrilled to welcome Mark to AAB at a time of both opportunity and transformation across our industry. His deep expertise and authentic leadership style are exactly what we need as we help clients navigate today’s tax complexities, from reform and regulation to technological disruption.

Mark’s collaborative approach will be instrumental in working with other business units across AAB, allowing us to offer clients a truly seamless, joined-up service that combines the best of tax, audit, advisory and beyond. He will play a critical role in shaping the next phase of our journey, ensuring that we remain bold, ambitious, and focused on delivering long-term value for clients.”

AAB’s tax division spans the following key business areas; Corporate Tax, Innovation Taxes, Indirect Tax, Entrepreneurial & Transaction Taxes, Customs Advisory and Private Client, delivering an exceptionally comprehensive and specialist tax offering across the UK market. The specialist teams also work in collaboration with other business units across AAB including global employment taxes, payroll, corporate finance, audit and business advisory. This integrated platform enables the firm to address both strategic and operational tax needs while maintaining senior advisor relationships that are grounded in commercial understanding and trusted delivery.

Mark’s appointment follows a series of senior hires in AAB’s London office, which has become a key strategic hub for the group’s growth. While based in the capital, Mark will lead with a location-agnostic approach, ensuring national consistency while continuing to serve the firm’s clients across the UK and internationally.

Since 2021 AAB has trebled in size and now employs more than 1,000 people. The rapid growth journey is set to continue as part of delivering its ambitious growth strategy for 2030.

AAB invests in talent as three rise to partner level

Leading professional services firm, AAB, has made a significant investment in its talent development strategy with the promotion of three employees to partner level and a further 134 promotions across the team of 1,000 people. This move reflects the company’s commitment to recognising and elevating talent from within, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.

Ashok Thomas, Debbie Mullen and Shane Martin progress to partner from 1^st July, these promotions are a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the value the team has consistently delivered to clients and the firm. Each demonstrating an ability to drive results and lead teams effectively, enhancing AAB’s reputation in the industry.

Ashok Thomas has been promoted to Corporate Finance Partner. Ashok started his career at Deloitte, India before working at both KPMG and PKF before relocating to Belfast in 2017 where he joined AAB (formerly FPM). Ashok is passionate about supporting clients in mergers and acquisitions, business valuations, fundraising and strategic financial planning.

Debbie Mullen will take on the role of Audit Partner. Debbie began her career at PwC before joining AAB (formerly FPM) in 2018 as an Audit Manager. Debbie supports clients in a wide range of sectors including construction and manufacturing.

Shane Martin has progressed to the role of Corporate Tax Partner. Shane brings experience to AAB from working at PwC for over ten years. Shane joined AAB in January 2023 and provides corporate tax compliance and advisory services along with specialist innovations tax advice to businesses.

The insights and leadership Ashok, Debbie and Shane bring to the AAB team will be instrumental in navigating the challenges of the evolving market landscape, ensuring that the firm remains responsive to client needs and industry trends.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB commented: “The promotion of Ashok, Debbie and Shane not only strengthens AAB’s leadership team but also highlights the potential for career growth within AAB through our culture of collaboration and development of our people. We are committed to nurturing talent and creating pathways for team members to reach their professional goals while supporting our clients with the specialist support they need to tackle the most complex business challenges.”

This strategic investment in talent aligns with AAB’s long-term vision of maintaining a dynamic workforce equipped to handle the complexities of today’s business environment. By empowering its employees and promoting from within, AAB reinforces its position as a reputable and trusted partner in the industry.

The firm believes that its employees are its greatest asset and that investing in their development is fundamental to enhancing client satisfaction as well as business success.

As AAB continues to grow, the company remains focused on its mission to deliver exceptional service and value to its clients. AAB now employs more than 1,000 people across 14 locations.

AAB announces new investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives

Leading professional services firm, AAB, today announced that Goldman Sachs Alternatives has agreed a deal to acquire the firm from August Equity, subject to regulatory approvals.

The transition marks a significant milestone for AAB, reinforcing the firm’s trajectory of sustained growth while ensuring continuity for clients and further strengthening its reputation in the professional services market. AAB became a £100m revenue firm in January 2025 having tripled in size in just three years.

AAB supports businesses and individuals with accounting, tax, audit, corporate finance, HR, payroll and wealth advisory. Since 2021, the firm has experienced exceptional expansion under August Equity’s partnership by tripling in size, completing 16 strategic acquisitions, broadening its footprint across the UK and Ireland while growing the team headcount to over 1,000 people.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB, said:

“Our partnership with August Equity has been transformational. Their investment and strategic support enabled us to accelerate our growth journey, invest in talent and technology, and expand the range of services we offer to clients. As we welcome our new private equity partner, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, we remain focused on delivering long-term value to our clients and our team while accelerating our growth strategy with exceptional backing.”

Jose Barreto, Partner within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, who will now support AAB’s continued development, added:

“We are delighted to invest in AAB at this hugely exciting stage in its evolution. As a Top 25 Accounting firm in the UK, we see AAB going from strength to strength and fast becoming a leading provider of professional services to the UK and Irish mid-market.”

Mihir Lal, Managing Director within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, also added: “We have strong conviction that Goldman Sachs Alternatives can support Emma and her team on a journey of strong growth, technology enablement, and continued M&A across key markets.”

Commenting on the deal, Kishan Chotai, Partner at August, said:

“It has been a pleasure to work with the outstanding team at AAB and support the leadership team and wider business over the last few years. Together, we have delivered a strong and sustainable growth strategy that has positioned AAB as a major force in the UK’s professional services market, and underlines August’s ethos and track record in investing in people-led, essential services businesses. We are proud of what has been accomplished and look forward to following AAB’s journey as it continues to thrive with Goldman Sachs Alternatives.”

August Equity will leave AAB in a strong position to continue its upward trajectory with robust leadership, a diversified service offering, and a proven track record of execution.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in 2025.

AAB and August were advised by William Blair and Alantra (Corporate Finance), OC&C (Commercial), PwC (Financial and Tax) and Addleshaw Goddard (Legal). Goldman Sachs was advised on the transaction by Houlihan Lokey (M&A), Linklaters (Legal), EY Parthenon (Commercial), and EY (Financial & Tax).