Clearwater advises Waterland-backed Cooper Parry, the UK’s fastest growing accountancy firm, on financing of its acquisition of Haines Watts London and its associated audit and advisory businesses across the South East and the Midlands.
The deal sees Cooper Parry add 11 offices across London, the South, Birmingham and the Midlands to its existing portfolio, increasing its workforce to 1,150 and propelling turnover to €145m (£125m). This represents a tripling in size for the firm over the last 12 months since partnering with Waterland Private Equity in 2022 (a deal advised by Clearwater).
Cooper Parry has experienced impressive organic growth with more than 25% compound growth over the last three years. The latest deal acquiring Haines Watts will establish the business as the UK’s 11th largest accountancy firm.
Further driving Cooper Parry’s ambition to become a leading adviser to mid-market businesses is the continued shift to a more specialist advisory firm. The deal underlines the strong synergy between the two firms; both businesses have complementary cultures, talented and knowledgeable teams, a tech-enabled approach and an enhanced client proposition, which have been key drivers behind the merger. The deal also adds a wealth of tax, audit and accountancy expertise to amplify Cooper Parry’s already successful business.
