Ascendis Group acquires E M Accountancy
An accounting and business advisory group has expanded with the acquisition of Altrincham-based E M Accountancy.
Ascendis Group, which is headquartered in Wilmslow, was advised on the acquisition by law firm Bermans.
Founded in 2017 by Paul Emmerson and Jayne Mullock, E M Accountancy has a team of four and a national SME client base, with a particular specialism in providing services to opticians’ practices.
Ascendis Group is a full-service firm providing audit and accounts, business, tax and private client advisory services alongside financial outsourcing, fractional finance director and financial controller support, corporate finance and business funding.
Through strategic partnerships, it also provides wealth management and financial planning services.
Its client base spans a diverse range of sectors, from technology and digital to property, healthcare, recruitment, online retail and distribution and financial services.
The acquisition marks the latest stage of growth for Ascendis Group, which was founded by managing director Richard Fleming in 2004 and now has a 40-strong team.
The group recently moved its headquarters from The Colony in Wilmslow to Sandfield House in the town centre, increasing its office space from 3,000 sq ft to 4,400 sq ft to accommodate its continued growth.
Ascendis is on track to increase group fee income to £4m from £3m this financial year, with a goal of reaching £6m within three years through continued organic growth and potential acquisitions.
Richard said: “E M Accountancy has built a strong reputation for serving healthcare professionals in the optical sector, alongside a diverse portfolio of owner-managed businesses.
“The firm’s values, culture and approach to client service align closely with our own, making this a natural fit for Ascendis. The acquisition will strengthen our expertise while giving clients access to an even broader range of specialist services.
“Existing arrangements for E M Accountancy’s clients will remain unchanged. They will continue to benefit from the personal service and close relationships they have always valued, while gaining access to the wider range of services available across Ascendis.
“The acquisition is another important milestone in our growth and reflects our continued investment in strengthening our service offering and supporting clients throughout their business and personal financial journeys.”
He added: “We had outgrown our previous premises at The Colony, so our new office in Wilmslow town centre gives us the space and platform to develop the business further.
“We have a number of potential acquisitions under discussion, alongside our continued focus on organic growth.”
Paul Emmerson said: “Joining Ascendis is an exciting step for our business and our clients. We have always been passionate about providing practical advice, responsive support and a personal service.
“Becoming part of Ascendis allows us to build on those foundations while giving our clients access to additional expertise and resources.
“We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to support our clients as part of the wider Ascendis Group.”
Robin Hastings, a corporate partner at the Manchester office of Bermans, led a team that advised Ascendis on the acquisition. Stephen Jarman at Arch.Law advised E M Accountancy on the transaction.
Robin said: “E M Accountancy joining forces with Ascendis is a strong fit, with its expertise in the healthcare sector complementing the range of services already provided by the Ascendis team.
“The combination, alongside Ascendis Group’s move to larger premises in Wilmslow town centre, will further strengthen its offering to owner-managed businesses and individuals in the area.
“We have worked with Ascendis for years and, as always, it was a pleasure to help their team with the legal aspects of their latest growth strategy.”