OC&C provides commercial vendor due diligence to Evelyn Partners in sale of its Professional Services Business to Apax

OC&C Strategy Consultants is proud to have supported Evelyn Partners in the recent sale of its Professional Services Business, to Apax Partners LLP. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is anticipated to close in Q1 2025.

Following completion, the business will rebrand as S&W, honouring the legacy of historic accounting firm Smith & Williamson established in 1881 in Glasgow.

With Apax’s support, S&W will be able to further build on its existing momentum as a top 15 UK accountancy firm. Already with 121 Partners based in 15 offices across the UK and with increasing fame in audit, business & private client tax advice, and a range of attractive advisory services; this move represents a strategic milestone for S&W whose newfound independence will enable it to make the most of its growth potential whilst continuing to deliver the exceptional client support for which it is famous.

For OC&C, this transaction highlights our growing international expertise in accounting, having previously supported Azets, Accountor and Stannards. Compounded with our broader professional services experience, we are unrivalled in providing strategic advice and transaction support to global and local players.

We wish Apax, Evelyn Partners and S&W every success in the future.

OC&C and Private Equity

We’re a leading global strategy consultancy, with deep expertise in private equity, having commercially advised on more than 500 successful transactions over the last 5 years, encompassing sell-side and buy-side roles.

How we can help:

• We provide commercial due diligence and vendor due diligence for transactions.
• We assist investors with accelerating or improving their portfolio companies’ performance.
• We help investors identify potential investment themes or assets to target.
• We can translate your investment thesis into an actionable 3-5 year value creation plan.

For more details on our experience in this space get in touch with our experts, or email [email protected].