A long-established Nantwich accountancy firm with roots dating back to the 1920s has been acquired by a growing national practice.
All three local offices of Afford Bond, including on Wellington Road in Nantwich, will remain open after being acquired by Wilson Partners.
Afford Bond also operates out of Wilmslow and Manchester.
The move by Wilson Partners is the firm’s first and significant expansion beyond the South of England.
The acquisition takes Wilson Partners’ revenues to c.£50m and increases its total headcount to around 460 staff, including 79 across Afford Bond’s three offices.
Allan Wilson, managing director of Wilson Partners, said: “Afford Bond is a highly-respected firm with a proud history and a strong presence in the North West.
“This acquisition marks our first move northwards and is a significant step in the evolution of Wilson Partners as a national firm.
“We share a common focus on quality, client service and long-term relationships, which makes this a very natural fit.”
Afford Bond can be traced back to the 1920s when Norman Afford set up his practice at District Bank House in Nantwich town centre.
In the 1960s it merged with V C Bond & Co of Edleston Road, Crewe and then relocated to Wellington Road in 1973 as Afford Bond & Co.
Peter O’Malley, director at Afford Bond, said the acquisition marked an exciting “new chapter” for the firm and its employees.
He added: “Afford Bond has been part of the North West business community for nearly a century, so it was important for us to join a firm that genuinely respects our history, our people and our clients.
“Wilson Partners shares those values and brings the scale and ambition that will allow us to continue to grow while maintaining the service our clients expect.
“This marks an exciting new chapter for our team and our clients and we’re looking forward to what we can achieve together.”
Founded in Maidenhead in 2008, Wilson Partners has grown rapidly through a combination of organic growth and targeted acquisitions.
It has completed 11 acquisitions, with revenue increasing more than tenfold.
Adam Wardle, head of mergers and acquisitions, added: “Reaching c.£50m in revenue is an important milestone, but our focus has always been on building a firm with the right people, culture and capabilities.
“Expanding into the North West with Afford Bond is a significant step in our journey and strengthens our ability to support clients across the UK.
“It’s a respected regional firm with a strong reputation across the North West, known for its long-standing client relationships, technical expertise and deep local heritage. We’re delighted.”
Afford Bond will continue to operate from existing offices, with its leadership team remaining in place to ensure continuity for clients and team members which include 52 at Nantwich, 16 in Wilmslow and 11 in Manchester.
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