MHA strengthens Scottish presence with Edinburgh firm merger

MHA are delighted to announce a merger with Edinburgh-based Chartered Accountants practice, Geoghegans.

Geoghegans provides a full complement of accountancy services for clients in the capital and across Scotland, including corporate finance, business tax and audit and assurance.

The merger will enhance the services offered to existing clients, while expanding MHA’s offering across the UK in line with the firm’s growth strategy.

This is MHA’s second move into Scotland, the first being when it merged with Aberdeen firm Meston Reid & Co in October 2023.

The Edinburgh merger is the fourth deal MHA, the UK network member of Baker Tilly International, has completed in the past year following mergers with two firms in Wales.

Rakesh Shaunak, Managing Partner and Chairman of MHA, said:

“This further expansion is hugely significant for MHA. We highlighted after the Meston Reid & Co merger that we would be looking to expand further in Scotland and this has been achieved.

“Geoghegans is an excellent merger for us as it enables a move into the thriving Edinburgh market and further into Scotland with a firm which aligns well with our values and commitment to customer service.

“This move will enable Geoghegans’ clients to retain a highly personal local service, with the added offering of accessing an enhanced range of specialists nationally and internationally.

“We are retaining all staff in the Edinburgh office, while expanding opportunities for further staff personal development and increased recruitment of talent. We would not rule out further growth into Scotland.”

Euan Fernie joined Geoghegans in 1999 and became partner six months later. Under the new set-up, he will become Senior Partner. He said: 

“Partnering with MHA – a large and ambitious firm - means we can expand our offering to clients through the vast network of specialists that will become available. Servicing our valued clients well has always been our top priority and this ethos is more than matched by MHA whose principles are hugely aligned."

Geoghegans’ office at St Colme Street, Edinburgh, will now be rebranded under the MHA banner. All four partners – Euan Fernie (Senior Partner), Iain Binnie, Lachlan Fernie and Paul Marshall will remain with MHA.

All 64 staff will stay with the firm, which has a diverse client base across SMEs to larger companies across various sectors, including financial services, engineering, property, construction and farms & estates.