Chartered accountants and business advisers Princecroft Willis (PcW) are to merge with South West accountancy firm Francis Clark.
The merger, which will officially take place on April 1, 2016, will create a £38 million practice with 60 partners and a team of more than 580 people across nine offices.
Princecroft Willis, which has offices in New Milton, Hampshire, and Poole, Dorset, has described the merger as “a perfect match.”
Mark Johns, Managing Director, said: “This is an excellent move for our clients and our team.
“The ethos of Francis Clark, and its emphasis on providing clients with a friendly, professional and personal service, is a perfect match for Princecroft Willis.
“Geographically the merger works well for both parties while our clients will have access to an even greater range of in-house specialist services, such as corporate finance and financial services.
“Francis Clark is one of the most respected independent firms of chartered accountants in the UK. The directors of Princecroft Willis are unanimous in their view that the merger is in the best interests of our clients and team.”
Andrew Richards, Francis Clark’s Managing Partner Elect, added: “We are extremely proud of the reputation we have developed in the South West.
“The merger with Princecroft Willis will broaden our geographical reach into Dorset and Hampshire and strengthen the outstanding services we will continue to offer all our clients, leading to opportunities for all areas of the business through our sector expertise.”
Princecroft Willis celebrated its centenary in 2014. It is the largest independent firm of chartered accountants and business advisers in Dorset and the New Forest with 12 directors and more than 100 team members.
Following the merger, Princecroft Willis will change its name to Francis Clark but will dual brand for up to 12 months.
All members of the Princecroft Willis team will transfer over to Francis Clark. The enlarged firm is expected to grow its operations across Dorset and Hampshire.
Francis Clark is named after its founder Francis S Clark who opened an office in Newton Abbot, Devon, in 1919.
Since then the firm has expanded from one partner and an assistant to 49 partners and more than 390 staff.
Francis Clark now has seven offices in the South West – Exeter, Plymouth, Salisbury, Taunton, Tavistock, Torquay and Truro.