News / Acquisitions
Accounting firm enters new chapter with acquisition
An accounting firm with a significant business presence in the South West has entered a new chapter following a major acquisition by a London-based leader.
Haines Watts, which has a strong presence in Bristol and Exeter, has joined forces with Gravita, a tech-enabled accounting firm catering to ambitious small and medium-sized businesses.
Haines Watts Western, with its Bristol and Exeter offices, has officially become part of Gravita through this major acquisition, bringing together two like-minded companies with shared ambitions.
This new chapter will allow the South West accounting firm to strengthen Gravita’s footprint in the region, complementing their established offices in London, Oxford, and Essex.
“Gravita is perfectly aligned with Matt and the wider team in our shared focus on building long-term client relationships, supporting exceptional teams, and embracing a technology-driven culture to enhance client service,” said Caroline Plumb, chief executive of Gravita – photo: Gravita
Under the leadership of Matt Bracher, the Bristol and Exeter branches of Haines Watts developed a strong network of over 2,500 individuals and businesses, supported by a 95-strong team delivering bespoke, high-quality customer service across the South West.
Now, as part of Gravita, the team will be better positioned to provide highly specialised services, including VAT advisory, cross-border transaction services, and wealth structuring.
Leaders from both firms have expressed that the partnership brings together two organisations that share an ethos of fostering lasting relationships with clients and a culture that nurtures the development of top talent.
Reports indicate that the South West is expected to grow by 1.4 per cent per year between 2024 and 2029, outpacing growth in other parts of the UK.
Under the leadership of Matt Bracher, the Bristol and Exeter branches of Haines Watts developed a strong network of over 2,500 individuals and businesses, supported by a 95-strong team delivering bespoke, high-quality customer service across the South West – photo: Gravita
Bristol’s tech sector, with its numerous outlets and hubs, is one of the fastest-growing in the UK. Both the Bristol and Exeter offices have established a strong client base in this industry, which has significantly contributed to the firm’s growth.
Caroline Plumb, chief executive of Gravita, said: “The South West is home to some of the UK’s most entrepreneurial businesses.
“From the outset, it was clear that Haines Watts Western – under Matt Bracher’s leadership – sits at the heart of that ecosystem. We’re incredibly excited to support the continued growth of this highly talented team and its clients across the region.”
“Gravita is perfectly aligned with Matt and the wider team in our shared focus on building long-term client relationships, supporting exceptional teams, and embracing a technology-driven culture to enhance client service.”
“We extend a warm welcome to the whole team, and we’re thrilled that they will be part of our exciting journey as we reimagine a new era of accounting services that prioritises our clients’ success, not just for today but also for tomorrow.”
Matt Bracher, lead partner for Gravita South West, said: “When the opportunity to join Gravita arose, it was an easy decision for us.
“Gravita offers a fresh approach, driven by technology but with its people at the heart. Accountancy firms need to stay ahead of the market as the industry evolves, and in Gravita, we have found a partner who shares our vision.
“For our clients and team, it’s business as usual. This collaboration will complement the work we are already doing and help us adapt to the future as the industry transforms.”
This new chapter will allow the South West accounting firm to strengthen Gravita’s footprint in the region, complementing their established offices in London, Oxford, and Essex – photo: Gravita
This latest partnership marks the seventh transaction since 2022, bringing Gravita’s headcount to over 500 full-time employees.
Main photo: Haines Watts
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