- Apiary Capital has backed Shaw Gibbs since 2022, completing 14 add-on acquisitions during its ownership
- Recent add-ons include Alliotts, Martin and Company, and Crowleys DFK in Ireland, expanding the group’s footprint
- ECI pointed to its record backing relationship-led financial services businesses, including KB Associates and IGG
ECI Partners has agreed to invest in Shaw Gibbs, an accountancy, tax and advisory practice.
The deal provides a full exit for private equity firm Apiary Capital, which has backed Shaw Gibbs since 2022.
Shaw Gibbs serves around 25,000 clients, including private individuals, entrepreneurial businesses, public sector and non-profit organizations, and international groups, offering accounting, tax and advisory services across the UK and Ireland.
During Apiary Capital’s ownership, Shaw Gibbs completed 14 acquisitions, including Alliotts, Martin and Company, and Crowleys DFK in Ireland, strengthening its presence across the UK and Ireland.
Shaw Gibbs said its focus on its employee value proposition, including training and development programs and long-term progression pathways, has supported its growth and contributed to employee retention and long-standing client relationships.
The firm selected ECI Partners for its next growth phase, citing ECI’s experience with relationship-led businesses and its track record of financial services investments, including KB Associates and IGG.
“Shaw Gibbs stood out to us as one of the most client-centric businesses in the accountancy space, with the platform to scale their consistently high-quality service,” said Michael Butler, partner at ECI Partners, in a statement. “Their breadth of offering, culture and employee proposition, on top of a track record of integrating high-quality businesses, gives them an excellent platform for further growth.”
Editor’s note: This news brief was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence.