SOVEREIGN Capital Partners’ chartered accountancy services portfolio business LB Group has completed its sixth acquisition and launched Affinia, its new corporate brand, set to consist of businesses from across the East and South East reports Insider Media.

The new group has more than 7,000 clients, and more than 400 colleagues across nine regional offices in Colchester, Chelmsford, Halstead, Harlow, Ipswich, Orpington, Sidcup, Stratford and Sutton.

As a result of the deal group chief executive Darren Redmayne and group COO Vanessa Emens have been appointed.

As well as the duo, Rob Harden, group CFO, and Chris Annis, head of accounts service line, will be responsible for the strategic growth of Affinia.

Alex Hay, partner, Sovereign Capital Partners, said: “When we invested in LB Group, we recognised it was very well-positioned to consolidate the fragmented accountancy sector.

“We embarked on a significant Buy & Build programme to create Affinia, which marks a major milestone for not only the business, but also the broader accounting, tax, and business advisory market.

“As a new challenger in the sector, Affinia is well-positioned to deliver high-quality, client-focused services across the East and South East of England and beyond.

With a strong leadership team, deep financial expertise, and a commitment to supporting local enterprise, Affinia will set new standards for the industry and create significant value for clients and communities alike.”

Darren Redmayne said: “We are excited to be building Affinia as the leading client-friendly, accounting, tax and business advisory firm.

“Combining great service quality, trusted financial expertise and the power of technology, we are committed to delivering the best results for our clients.”

Chris Annis, head of the accounts service line, Affinia, added: “We are proud of the progress that LB Group and the other like-minded firms have taken so far.

“Now, as Affinia, we look forward to what lies ahead as we continue this journey together.

“United, we can further champion our clients, provide greater career opportunities for our colleagues, and support local business and our communities even better than before.”

Affinia consists of LB Group and the following businesses:

Richard Edwards Group, an accountancy practice with offices in Halstead and Colchester in Essex
Dyer & Co, an independent accounting and tax business based in Sidcup, Kent

Giess Wallis Crisp, an accountancy firm covering Essex and Hertfordshire based in Old Harlow.

NSO Associates, an experienced firm of chartered accountants and statutory auditors based in Chelmsford, Essex

Baxter & Co, an accountancy practice based in Orpington, Kent with a strong sector presence in providing audit assurance to schools & colleges

Clarkson Hyde, a 100-year-old accountancy practice based in Sutton, Surrey with clients based across Surrey and Greater London.