Brown & Co acquires Cumbrian firm

Thornton Cleveleys-based Brown & Co has acquired a long-standing Cumbrian accountancy firm in a six-figure deal.

Brown & Co, which was founded in 2012 by current ICAEW Lancashire and South Lakeland president Chris Brown, will almost treble its turnover and more than double the size of its team from eight to 18 with the acquisition of Ingalls of Kendal.

Ingalls was founded in the 1930s and serves businesses of all sizes throughout Cumbria including many agricultural firms. The deal facilitates the retirement of managing director Ged Whiteside who bought into the business in 2011.

The deal was backed by Mercia’s SME Loans fund.

Chris said: "Having built a strong track record in Lancashire, we are excited to be expanding into Cumbria. We have a strong personal connection to the area. We believe we can add value to local businesses and look forward to supporting new and existing clients across the county."

Mike Rogers from Mercia’s SME Loans team said: "This transaction brings together two complementary accountancy firms. It will safeguard the future of Ingalls’ business and bring new digital skills and products to enhance its operations.

"It will also enable Brown & Co to expand geographically and pursue its ambition to become the leading digital accountant across Lancashire and Cumbria.”

Mark Robinson from Swoop Funding provided fundraising advice to Brown & Co,  while Napthens provided legal advice to the firm on the acquisition. Weightmans provided legal advice to Mercia.