Law firm Hill Dickinson has advised Warrington-based accountancy and advisory firm JS on a management buyout (MBO) from its previous owners. The deal sees the firm, formerly known as Jackson Stephen, transition from its current partnership model to a new corporate structure to support future growth.
JS, which has ambitious plans for the next 10 years, aims to grow while remaining independent and owner-managed and continuing to focus on its core market of owner-managed SMEs. The senior individuals in the business will still be known as partners.
Hill Dickinson’s Corporate team advised JS on the deal, led by partner and national head of Corporate Ian Riggs, together with associates Matt Boyer, Philip Congdon and Daniel McDonagh.
Ian Riggs said: “The team at JS understand their market and know their clients, and the transaction has given the firm the opportunity to move away from its former partnership model and reposition the business for future growth while maintaining everything their clients value about them. It’s an exciting time for the team and I’d like to wish the new venture every success.”
JS managing partner Lucy Williams said the vendors preferred to sell to management than accept an offer from a sector consolidator, adding: “This move marks a bold and exciting next step in JS’s history. At our core we have always been focused on delivering best-in-class service to owner-managed businesses. This MBO will allow us to continue on that journey, while unlocking significant growth for the business.”
With over 100 years of experience, JS currently has 90 employees and works with owner-managed businesses across the service lines of audit, accounts, tax advisory, compliance, management consultancy and digital finance transformation.
