Donald Reid Group’s merger with FLB Accountants

Bringing together experts across firms

Donald Reid Group (DRG) sought to join forces with US-private-equity-backed FLB Accountants to bring their expertise, resources, and talent together under one roof and bolster their service provision. 

For DRG Partners Daniel Reid and Oliver Burton, the transaction represented a significant milestone for their longstanding business.

The objective was to secure a smooth transfer of ownership within a tight timeframe, while maintaining stability and creating greater opportunities for the DRG team, FLB Accountants and their clients. 

Ensuring a complex sale ran smoothly

Drawing on its long-standing relationship with Donald Reid Group, its legacy, and its client base, we provided tailored support to the business throughout every stage of the process. 

The transaction was led by Corporate Partner Ben Davis, with support from Corporate specialists Saskia Robinson and Beth Hughes, alongside drawing on cross-disciplinary expertise across tax, commercial, data protection, employment, property and private client specialisms. 

Pooling expertise and providing growth opportunities

The acquisition delivered a positive outcome for both organisations’ staff and clients, with a focus on collaboration, continuity and growth.  

The Donald Reid Group team will now work from FLB Accountants’ offices in Wokingham and Soho.

Reflections from DRG:

Oliver Burton, who is now a partner at FLB Accountants, said: 

“Having worked with Ben and Saskia on multiple transactions, Knights was ideally positioned to support us with what was a significant milestone for Donald Reid Group. 

“There were several moving parts in the transaction which Knights helped us navigate and hit what was a tight timetable. It was a genuine pleasure working with Ben, Saskia, and the wider Knights group. They went above and beyond to help us achieve a successful outcome and I would wholeheartedly recommend them.” 

Reflections from Knights:

Reflecting on the transaction, Corporate Partner Ben Davis,who has worked closely with Donald Reid Group and mutual clients for more than six years, shared: 

“Given our long-standing relationship with the team at Donald Reid Group, we were well positioned to act on its behalf through this complex sale.  

The acquisition reflects a positive outcome for both organisations’ staff and clients, with a focus on collaboration, continuity and growth. Maintaining stability while providing greater opportunities for the DRG team and their clients was a key priority throughout this process. 

Our broad service offering through our collaborative regional model, knowledge and established rapport with Donald Reid Group, including understanding its legacy and client base, was instrumental to handling the intricacies of the deal and ensuring a seamless transition. It was great to support Dan and Oli to secure the sale within the required timeframes.” 

Key results, in review:

• Provided greater opportunity for clients of both firms.
• Positioned the businesses for growth.