William Duncan + Co said that becoming part of the Dains Group has been a process of looking at what is important to the firm, evaluating what it stands for, and taking into account what impact the firm’s work has its clients and their businesses.

Robert Ferguson, managing director of William Duncan + Co, said in a statement on the company’s website: “Now more than ever, we are focussed on producing the most personal accountancy service in Scotland, with the best trained team. We will continue to be William Duncan + Co, with the same mission – to be trusted partners in a digital world, passionately creating a sustainable future for all.

He added: “Overnight we have improved the range of services available to our clients and this deal enables William Duncan to become a challenger firm in Scotland. We have an ambitious plan, and all of our team will remain in the business. In fact, I have no hesitation in saying that we have no shortage of opportunities for progressive professionals wishing to join a group that really values its’ people’.”

The firm said that Dains culture, values and client centred approach very much aligns with its own, adding that it will continue to challenge the accountancy industry with a more digital approach and by integrating the latest technology with the continuous improvement of the skills of the William Duncan + Co team. William Duncan + Co added that a larger organisation will also mean its team benefits from even more career opportunities.

Richard McNeilly, CEO of Dains, added: “We have followed the progress of William Duncan for several years and it became increasingly clear that their approach to client delivery and people development closely aligned to ours. As a long established firm in Scotland, we believe they are ideal partners to spearhead our growth, North of the border.”

Dains were advised by DSW and Forward Corporate Finance (Financial Due Diligence), Deloitte (Tax), and CMS (Legal). William Duncan + Co were advised by Curle Stewart Solicitors