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Manchester accountancy firm Harold Sharp has advised on two international acquisitions involving long-standing clients, as part of more than £17m in deals completed over the past two years.
The firm supported 12 clients with acquisition strategies and exits since 2023, including Trafford Park-based industrial machinery specialist Speedrite, which was bought by Netherlands-headquartered Gerritsen Group.
Gary Fittes, co-founder of Speedrite, said: “Harold Sharp’s team were right by our side throughout our growth and ultimately our sale. The acquisition process and financial requirements were totally new to us, and having the advice and substantiation we needed was fundamental to the successful deal.”
Sale-based engineering firm DDE was also acquired by Stockholm-based Nordomatic last year.
Mark Allen, formerly managing director of DDE and now country director for Nordomatic’s UK operations, said: “Harold Sharp understands our business and knows what we wanted to achieve. Their expertise was vital during DDE’s acquisition process – ensuring we were in a strong position to attract the right investor.”
Charlotte Hinchcliffe, managing director of Harold Sharp, said many founder-led businesses were considering exit strategies.
She added: “An exit strategy is often part of the long-term vision of founder-led businesses, and many – particularly those working in specialist industries – are in a strong position on the international stage.
“We’ve seen an uplift in clients embarking on an investment drive recently. Understanding the nuances of UK and international investment, and being prepared for the scrutiny of the due diligence processes, is crucial.”
Harold Sharp, part of the ETL Global network since 2021, employs 50 staff in its Sale headquarters. The firm reported 6% growth in 2024 and expects this to double in 2025, while its auditing division has expanded by almost 20% this year.
