Addleshaw Goddard’s market leading Professional Practices Group has advised top 10 UK accountancy practice Moore Kingston Smith LLP which operates as a multi-disciplinary professional services firm on external investment from European private equity firm, Waterland with a view to funding an ambitious growth and expansion programme.

Moore Kingston Smith LLP is the London firm within the Moore UK network, providing a wide range of accountancy and advisory services to clients across a myriad of sectors. The firm, which celebrates its centenary this year, has over 70 partners and more than 700 people based in and around London. Founded in 1923, it is part of the Moore network of accountants and advisory services, which employs over 30,000 people across 114 countries.

The Addleshaw Goddard team was led by William Wastie, Head of the Professional Practices Group and Managing Associate Johnny Cakebread, supported by a wider team of specialists from across the firm including PE and Corporate Partner Murray Jack, Legal Director Kevin Beattie and Associate Maeve Wright together with finance Partner Ewen Scott.   The AG team advised on all aspects of the external investment including governance aspects, principal commercial matters, regulatory and compliance considerations, competition, intellectual property, data protection, and tax. 

William Wastie Partner, Head of the Professional Practices Group commented: 

"The investment by Waterland Private Equity will enable Moore Kingston Smith to build on its existing excellent reputation in the audit and advisory space and to ensure future commercial growth The AG team is particularly pleased to have worked closely and collaboratively with our clients on an innovative investment structure allowing for future growth and returns to both current and future partners and ensuring Moore Kingston Smith is well placed to grow its business in the UK and internationally".