Burgess Hodgson attracts investment from leading US private equity firm Abry Partners

Established in 1938, Kent-based Burgess Hodgson has become the first UK accountancy services platform to complete a primary investment deal with a US private equity firm.

The deal sees Boston, Massachusetts-based Abry Partners, one of the most experienced and successful sector-focused private equity investment firms in North America & Europe, make a substantial investment in the company – the largest development in Burgess Hodgson’s nearly 90-year history.

The partnership will accelerate Burgess Hodgson’s strategic M&A and investment in technology optimisation and talent in Kent, London and the South-East. This will maintain Burgess Hodgson’s position as a leading accountancy partner of choice for ambitious businesses and individuals across the UK and beyond

Commenting on the investment, Steve Sutton, Senior Partner Emeritus, Burgess Hodgson said, “This is an incredibly important milestone for our business and our 87-year history. The investment will enhance our ability to serve clients more effectively and enable us to take the business to the next stage of growth at a time when the market is highly competitive.”

Newly-appointed CEO, Richard Stewart, added, “The partnership positions us perfectly for continued evolution whilst honouring the values and approach that have made us successful since 1938. We remain dedicated to our professional service standards and our clients and are hugely motivated about the opportunities this investment brings.”

Burgess Hodgson is also establishing a new management structure including the following appointments:

Mark Pacitti – Chairman (Non-Executive Director at the Institute of Directors and a former Partner at Deloitte)

Richard Stewart – Chief Executive Officer (previously Partner at Burgess Hodgson)

Andrew Miles – Chief Financial Officer (previously Partner at Burgess Hodgson)

Matthew Sutton – Chief Growth Officer (previously Partner at Burgess Hodgson)

Nathan Ott, Partner, Abry Partners said, “After evaluating numerous investment opportunities in the UK, Burgess Hodgson stood out to us because of their strong business model, exceptional client relationships, and first-class accountancy, tax and business expertise. We are confident this will be an incredibly successful partnership and we look forward to what lies ahead.”

Burgess Hodgson employs almost 200 staff and partners in Canterbury, Kent, and works with thousands of clients – from entrepreneurs to multimillion-pound corporations.

Burgess Hodgson takes pride in the success of its accounting and taxation training schemes, with 16 of its 18 partners having joined straight from education and risen through the ranks. It is also proud to train the next generation of talent from across the accounting industry.

The transaction is subject to customary ICAEW approvals.

Advising Burgess Hodgson was Cahal Dowds and Will David at Continuum Advisory Partners.