An Aberdeen chartered accountancy firm is expanding into Banchory after acquiring a long-established practice in the town for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition of AC Howat Accountancy by James Milne Chartered Accountants follows the retirement of proprietor, Alan Howat, after 50 years in the profession.
Mr Howat employed one member of staff, who will join the James Milne team at a new office at Banchory Business Centre.
James Milne managing partner, Graham Bridgeford, said: “Alan has built up a very strong firm over the past 22 years and we want to wish him well in his retirement. We are looking forward to having a presence in Banchory to complement our Aberdeen and Inverurie offices.
“We had been looking to acquire a well-established accountancy firm with a similar client base to our own and we were delighted to have the opportunity to gain such a respected firm as AC Howat. This coupled with our new office in Banchory provide James Milne with an ideal location from which to service our growing client base.”
Richard Christie, a partner in the Aberdeen company, will head the three-strong team in the Banchory.
Alan Howat said: “I would like to thank all my clients for their continuing support up to the date of my retirement after 50 years in the profession.
“I am delighted that my practice has been acquired by James Milne Chartered Accountants, a long established and highly respected north-east firm, who will provide a first class personal and professional service from their new office in Banchory.”
James Milne Chartered Accountants serves personal and business clients across a diverse range of industries, including oil and gas, agriculture, retail, hospitality, fishing and haulage.
Established in 1888, the company has a staff of 30, and is led by four partners.
