Cowgills Expands Presence with NRB Acquisition
Deal News | Apr 01, 2025 | Cowgills
Cowgills, a leading accountancy firm based in the North West, has acquired Wigan-based NRB as part of its ambitious strategy to expand by 25% in the next year. The acquisition adds a Wigan office to Cowgills existing locations in Bolton, Manchester, and Liverpool and increases the firm's professional team from 220 to 250. NRB, founded by Norman Richard Barton in 1948, offers accounting, taxation, and business advisory services and has a strong expertise in digital technology solutions. Cowgills, backed by the Sumer Group, aims to grow through selective acquisitions that align with its entrepreneurial and dynamic culture. Paul Stringer, Managing Partner at Cowgills, highlights the cultural and strategic fit of NRB, while Catherine Rogers of NRB underscores the shared values and the new opportunities the merger provides. Cowgills were advised by Dickson Minto and NRB by Forbes Solicitors.
Sectors
- Accounting and Business Advisory
- Digital Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – Cowgills and NRB are both based in the North West of the UK, with offices in Bolton, Manchester, Liverpool, and now Wigan.
- North West England – The firms involved are focused on expanding their footprint in the North West region of England.
Industry
- Accounting and Business Advisory – The article discusses the acquisition of NRB by Cowgills, both of which are firms providing accounting, taxation, and business advisory services.
- Digital Technology – NRB has expertise in digital technology solutions, which Cowgills aims to leverage for new opportunities after the acquisition.
Financials
- – No financial details such as deal price or financial metrics are provided in the article.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cowgills | Bidding Company / Buyer | Company | A leading accountancy firm in the North West aiming for a 25% growth with strategic acquisitions. |
| NRB | Target Company | Company | A longstanding Wigan-based accountancy firm known for its digital technology expertise. |
| Sumer Group | Parent Company | Company | Parent company providing backing to Cowgills for its acquisition strategy. |
| Dickson Minto | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advice to Cowgills for the acquisition. |
| Forbes Solicitors | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advice to NRB during the acquisition. |
| Paul Stringer | Managing Partner | Person | Leading the acquisition strategy at Cowgills. |
| Catherine Rogers | Representative of NRB | Person | Involved in the merger discussions on behalf of NRB. |