The acquisition is part of Opulus’s strategic plan to extend its geographic footprint throughout Scotland, and it marks the company’s entry into the east of Scotland business services market. George + Co, which has a turnover exceeding £600,000, will continue to operate under its own name and serve clients from its Rutland Street office.

Linda Leaworthy, director at George + Co, said: “We are a highly experienced team and pride ourselves on offering a professional, efficient service in all aspects of taxation and accountancy – an offering that will only be enhanced by our joining the expanding Opulus group and giving us access to a broader range of business advisory expertise.”

The acquisition marks the latest development of the growth plan set out by Opulus following its announcement in February that it had joined forces with Wylie & Bisset Accountants and Business Advisers to create a “hub and spoke” model of business advisory services.

Donald McKinnon, managing partner at Wylie & Bisset, added: “As full-service accountants and business advisers, we operate as a ‘hub’ to provide a range of service lines and support to a network of regional ‘spoke’ accountancy practices within the wider Opulus group for the benefit of our clients. We are delighted to welcome George + Co to the group.”

Opulus is a joint venture formed between founder Matthew Garstang and investment and advisory partnership N4 Partners to provide a range of business services to help SMEs grow.

SME Capital has provided a £10 million growth capital facility to support further expansion plans of the enlarged group.