Moore Kingston Smith LLP, a multi-disciplinary advisory, tax and audit firm, has welcomed Shipleys LLP to its team.
The merger expands the firm’s media team with Shipleys’ specialism in film, TV and animation tax credits.
It also builds on its financial sector offering through Shipleys’ dedicated funds team, as well as enabling its fintech team to provide safeguarding audits to payment services firms and e-money businesses.
Shipleys employs 19 partners and more than 150 people across its offices in London and Godalming, Surrey – complementing Moore Kingston Smith’s Redhill location.
They join the firm’s 80 partners and 1,000 staff in its largest merger to date.
Matt Meadows, managing partner of Moore Kingston Smith, said: “We’re really excited that Shipleys has joined us and to welcome another respected business that fits so well with who we are as a firm.
“Through this partnership, we’re both able to grow our teams with more talented people, enhancing the quality work we do for our clients while broadening our solutions.”
Shipleys clients are set to benefit from an expanded offering, including HR consultancy, employer services and legal offerings, as well as further national and international reach in tax and advisory through Moore Global.
Steve Foster, managing principal of Shipleys, added: “Like Shipleys, Moore Kingston Smith has strong foundations.
“It mirrors our culture and ethos with a passion for high-quality client service and creating an enjoyable and supportive working environment.
“We’re delighted to join their team and look forward to merging our strengths, solutions and sector knowledge to expand our client services and support.
“Above all, we’ll continue to help our clients and people thrive.”
Moore Kingston Smith is the first UK accountancy firm to receive private equity investment to fund its M&A programme while keeping its partnership status.
This latest deal follows the acquisition of hospitality specialist WMT in June and Moore Northern Ireland in August.
