Shoosmiths leads on Azets acquisition

Law firm Shoosmiths has successfully advised international accounting and business advisory group Azets on its acquisition of Ensors, one of East Anglia’s oldest and most respected firms of Chartered Accountants. The development marks Azets’ entry into a new UK region and exciting new chapter for the parties involved.

The deal brings together two of the UK’s leading accounting and business advisory firms, with a shared focus on people, long-term client relationships and sustainable growth. It adds 300 people and six offices across East Anglia to Azets portfolio.

Shoosmiths partners Simon Procter and James Foster led on legal aspects for Azets. According to Simon: “We are thrilled to have facilitated this acquisition for our long-time client Azets. The success of this transformational deal has been a testament to the M&A expertise of the teams at Shoosmiths and Azets and the dedication of all parties involved to collaborate for the benefit of their people and clients. We wish them the best of luck in this new chapter of this business.”

Greene & Greene Solicitors advised for Ensors.

Established more than 130 years ago, Ensors has grown into a regional leader with over 300 colleagues across six offices in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Huntingdon, Ipswich, Norwich and Saxmundham. The firm provides a full range of services including audit, tax, corporate finance, business recovery and forensic accounting.

As part of Azets, Ensors’ clients will continue to receive the same trusted advice and high-quality service from the same teams they know and trust – now with the added benefit of broader access to specialist expertise, new service lines, and the scale of an international group.

For Azets, the acquisition establishes a strong presence in East Anglia and creates a new regional platform for future growth, including further investment, recruitment, and M&A in the area.

Peter Gallanagh, UK Chief Executive Officer at Azets, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ensors to Azets. The firm has an outstanding reputation in East Anglia, a talented team, and a strong track record of growth. This marks an important milestone as we expand into a new region of the UK, and we’re excited about the opportunities it creates for our clients and our people. Culturally and strategically, the fit is excellent and together, we are well placed to invest, grow, and build on the success of both firms.”

Ensors will have its own dedicated regional leadership team, led by David Scrivener as Regional Managing Director, East. Ensors will continue to trade under its current brand endorsed as ‘part of Azets’ for approximately 12 months, during a phased integration period.