One of Aberdeen’s longest established chartered accountancy firms has completed the acquisition of AC Howat Chartered Accountant in Banchory from the proprietor, Alan Howat. Alan, who is marking 50 years in the profession, is entering retirement.
The procurement signals the start of James Milne Chartered Accountants expanding into the town, with a new office at Banchory Business Centre.
Managing partner Graham Bridgeford said: “This is a hugely exciting time for us as we embark on the acquisition of AC Howat Chartered Accountant and expand our presence in the Banchory area.
“Alan has built up a very strong firm over the past 22 years and we want to wish him well in his retirement. We are looking forward to having a presence in Banchory to complement our Aberdeen and Inverurie offices.
“We had been looking to acquire a well-established accountancy firm with a similar client base to our own and we were delighted to have the opportunity to gain such a respected firm as AC Howat. This coupled with our new office in Banchory provide James Milne with an ideal location from which to service our growing client base.”
Richard Christie, partner, will head the Banchory office supported by both James Milne and Alan’s existing staff.
Alan Howat said: “I would like to thank all my clients for their continuing support up to the date of my retirement after 50 years in the profession.
“I am delighted that my practice has been acquired by James Milne Chartered Accountants, a long established and highly respected North-east firm, who will provide a first class personal and professional service from their new office in Banchory.”
James Milne Chartered Accountants serves both personal and business clients across a diverse range of industries, from the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire staples of oil and gas and agriculture through to retail, hospitality, fishing, haulage, trades, construction and many more. With offices in Aberdeen and Inverurie, the firm is led by four experienced partners as part of a team of 30 specialists.