ECI Partners invests in accounting firm Shaw Gibbs

Private equity firm ECI Partners has agreed to invest in Shaw Gibbs, a prominent UK-based accounting, tax, and business advisory practice. The transaction facilitates a complete exit for Apiary Capital, which has supported the firm since 2022.

Under Apiary Capital’s ownership, Shaw Gibbs underwent significant expansion, growing its workforce from approximately 100 to over 800 employees. The firm also completed 14 acquisitions to broaden its geographic footprint across the UK and Ireland, including the addition of Martin and Company, Alliotts, and the Irish practice Crowleys DFK.

Shaw Gibbs serves approximately 25,000 clients, including private individuals, entrepreneurial businesses, and public sector organizations. The new partnership with ECI Partners is intended to drive the next stage of growth, focusing on technology, product capabilities, and further acquisitions while maintaining the firm’s relationship-led service model. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.