South Australia’s largest locally owned and operated accounting and advisory firm, William Buck, is merging with Adelaide-based MacKenzie Advisory.
The merger, effective from September 1, 2020, further strengthens the professional services offering to the State’s business sector at a critical time. 11 staff at MacKenzie Advisory will be joining William Buck, to create a combined 170-strong professional team committed to providing the highest quality outcomes for clients.
William Buck Managing Director Jamie McKeough said the merger provided benefits to both firms and their respective clients, many of whom are SMEs.
“We refuse to let COVID-19 dampen our enthusiasm to invest in the services we offer our clients,” Mr McKeough said.
“As well as pursuing organic growth, we continue to look for strategic corporate opportunities which provide significant benefits for all parties. William Buck is focussed on positioning for a long-term positive future and our merger with the team at MacKenzie Advisory is a key step in the right direction.
“There is no doubt that South Australia, along with the rest of the world, is facing extremely challenging times. Business operators, owners and investors need access to professionals that truly understand their situation and the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.”
MacKenzie Advisory is a boutique firm providing accounting, taxation and business advisory services. It also provides administration services for wholesale and retail managed funds with over $1.17 billion currently under management, complementing William Buck’s services in this area.
Managing Director of MacKenzie Advisory, Scott MacKenzie, said the merger would unlock growth opportunities for the firm and its clients.
“Our firms share similar values and a commitment to client service,” Mr MacKenzie said.
“Like William Buck, we have built a reputation as a trusted advisor to private and family-owned businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals. We feel we have found the ideal partner to help take our business to the next stage in its growth and provide our clients with access to a broader range of financial services.”
This merger represents the 7th merger undertaken by William Buck over the past 11 years which represents less than 50% of William Buck’s growth over that time:
- 2020 – MacKenzie Advisory
- 2019 – Tregloans
- 2017 – SP Accountants
- 2014 – Flood Allen
- 2012 – Lewis Richmond
- 2011 – MSI Tilley
- 2009 – Moore Stephens
