Shaw Gibbs has acquired Sestini and Co, a tax consultancy for expatriates and high-net-worth individuals, enhancing its expertise in U.S. tax advisory. Sestini operates with one partner and 13 employees across two offices in Bristol and London. The merger will expand Shaw Gibbs’ services and result in a 380-strong team across 12 offices. Rachel Sestini, the sole owner of Sestini and Co, emphasised the importance of maintaining client relationships while broadening service offerings. Shaw Gibbs’ CEO, Peter O’Connell, praised Sestini’s expertise, especially in U.S. tax, as key to the firm’s future growth.
Gerald Edelman, a mid-tier accounting firm, has appointed Rowan Lindsay as a new audit partner. Lindsay brings over 25 years of experience across various sectors, including property, retail, and e-commerce. His role will involve guiding clients through corporate reporting and compliance challenges. Lindsay’s appointment raises the firm’s total number of partners to 23. CEO Carl Lundberg highlighted Lindsay’s industry knowledge and leadership as vital to the firm’s expansion and service excellence. Lindsay expressed enthusiasm about joining a dynamic and collaborative team dedicated to client success.
Swedish investment firm EQT has entered the bidding process to acquire a stake in Grant Thornton UK, with a potential deal valued between £1bn and £2bn. The firm joins other interested parties like CVC Capital Partners, Carlyle, Cinven, and Permira in discussions about acquiring Grant Thornton’s UK and Irish affiliates. Earlier reports had speculated about CVC’s interest. While Grant Thornton has acknowledged ongoing evaluations of market opportunities, a spokesperson emphasised that the firm remains committed to being a multidisciplinary entity and is not actively engaged in any transaction at this time.
Hentons has launched a new office in Thirsk, located within the Thirsk Auction Mart, to better serve its agricultural clients. The office will allow Hentons’ farming specialist team to collaborate more efficiently with agribusinesses and respond quickly to client needs during market days and events. The new location offers convenient access, ample parking, and proximity to transport links, enhancing client service. Brett Davis, Hentons’ partner, emphasised the importance of being centrally located within the farming community, while manager Penny Sanderson highlighted the office’s accessibility and continued professional support for clients.
