MHA strengthens Scottish presence with Geoghegans merger in Edinburgh
Accountancy group MHA has solidified its presence in Scotland with the merger of Geoghegans, a prominent Edinburgh-based accountancy firm.
The move marks the second merger in Scotland for MHA, the first being with Aberdeen-based accountancy firm Meston Reid & Co in October 2023.
The Edinburgh merger is the fourth deal MHA has completed in the past year following mergers with two firms in Wales.
Geoghegans’ office at St Colme Street has been rebranded under the MHA banner. All four partners – Euan Fernie, Iain Binnie, Lachlan Fernie and Paul Marshall – will remain and become partners at MHA.
Rakesh Shaunak, managing partner and chairman of MHA, said: “This further expansion is hugely significant for MHA. We highlighted after the Meston Reid & Co merger that we would be looking to expand further in Scotland and this has been achieved.
“Geoghegans is an excellent merger for us as it enables a move into the thriving Edinburgh market and further into Scotland with a firm which aligns well with our values and commitment to customer service.“This move will enable Geoghegans’ clients to retain a highly personal local service, with the added offering of accessing an enhanced range of specialists nationally and internationally.
“We are retaining all staff in the Edinburgh office, while expanding opportunities for staff development and recruitment. We would not rule out further growth into Scotland.”
Senior partner Euan Fernie said: “Partnering with MHA – a larger and ambitious firm – means we can expand our offering to clients through the vast network of specialists that will become available.
“Servicing our valued clients well has always been our top priority and this ethos is more than matched by MHA whose principles are hugely aligned.”
All 64 staff will stay with Geoghegans, which has a diverse client base from SMEs to larger companies across a variety of sectors, including financial services, engineering, property, construction and farms & estates.
The introduction was facilitated by Foulger Underwood on behalf of MHA. This latest move comes after a recent announcement by MHA and North of England firm MHA Moore and Smalley of an intention to formally merge from 1 April 2024.