Dains Powers Growth with Ardian's Financing for IK Partners' Acquisition

Deal News | Mar 10, 2025 | Ardian

Ardian, a premier private investment firm, has announced a Private Credit Financing package to support IK Partners in acquiring Dains Accountants. The package includes Unitranche and Committed Acquisition Facilities aimed at fostering the growth of Dains, a key player in accountancy and advisory services in the UK and Ireland. Dains, established in 1926, serves over 17,000 clients and boasts a workforce exceeding 700 full-time employees. Dains' strategy leverages both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, having made ten acquisitions to date. This marks Ardian's third foray into European accountancy and advisory services, showcasing the sector's resilience and potential for expansion through organic and M&A means. Ardian's Private Credit team, celebrated for a 20-year successful track record, works closely with high-quality companies entering their growth phases by combining local expertise with a global investor approach.

Sectors

Private Equity
Accounting and Advisory Services
Financial Services

Geography

United Kingdom – Dains Accountants, the target company, is located in the UK, making it central to this acquisition news.
Western Europe – Relates to Ardian's significant presence and operations in Western Europe, emphasizing their investment reach and influence in the region.

Industry

Private Equity – Focuses on Ardian's support of a private equity acquisition, highlighting their role in providing specialized financing.
Accounting and Advisory Services – Involves Dains Accountants as a target acquisition, showing significant industry interest in M&A activities.
Financial Services – Relates to Ardian's provision of financial solutions through Private Credit Financing, supporting business growth and acquisitions.

Financials

$177 billion – Total assets managed or advised by Ardian globally.

Participants

Name	Role	Type	Description
Ardian	Financing Provider	Company	A world-leading private investment house managing or advising $177bn in assets, committed to responsible investment.
IK Partners	Buying Company	Company	A private equity firm engaged in acquiring Dains Accountants with Ardian's financial support.
Dains Accountants	Target Company	Company	A leading UK accountancy and advisory services firm with over 17,000 clients and a workforce of over 700.
Stuart Hawkins	Head of Private Credit UK & Managing Director	Person	Key person in Ardian's UK's Private Credit operations, involved in commenting on the investment.