UK’s Cooper Parry secures major U.S. investment deal
DERBY, UNITED KINGDOM and NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — UK accounting and advisory firm Cooper Parry has secured an investment from New York-based Lee Equity Partners. The partnership aims to accelerate Cooper Parry’s vision of becoming the UK’s next-generation professional services group.
The transaction, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first half of 2025. Lee Equity will succeed Waterland Private Equity, which has supported Cooper Parry’s expansion through 11 successful acquisitions over the past two years.
Investment impact and future growth
Cooper Parry’s CEO Ade Cheatham describes the deal as a “monumental milestone,” emphasizing its potential to propel the firm’s expansion over the next five years.
“Following an incredible period of sustainable growth, partnering with Lee Equity Partners is the next level game-changer… This is history-making news for everyone in the CP orbit – our people and clients alike,” Cheatham stated.
Cooper Parry has demonstrated remarkable growth, with turnover quadrupling to £180 million (US$228 million) over the past two years and maintaining organic growth exceeding 24% annually between FY21-24. The company currently employs 1,450 people, including 128 partners, operating from five strategic locations across the UK – East Midlands, Birmingham, London, Thames Valley, and Manchester.
“For over three years, Lee Equity has been in search of the right type of accounting and business advisory services firm to partner with. We’ve found that in Cooper Parry, who has emerged as a market leader in the UK due to their exceptional management team, best-in-class organic growth rates, centralized business development function, and fully integrated approach to M&A,” said Danny Rodriguez, a Partner at Lee Equity.
Cooper Parry’s track record
As the largest UK accountancy firm with B Corp status, Cooper Parry offers a comprehensive suite of services, including audit, tax, innovation, tech & high growth, outsourced financial services, law, deals, and wealth management. The company recently acquired MacroFin, a NetSuite-certified enterprise resource planning (ERP) consultancy.
The firm’s impressive credentials include ranking as the #1 accountancy firm to work for in the UK and topping Accountancy Age’s Mid-tier Power Index in 2022.
