Aberdeen-based accountants and business advisors Anderson Anderson & Brown (AAB) and Glasgow-based accountants Hardie Caldwell announced they have merged to accelerate AAB’s plans of becoming a leading player across the country’s three biggest cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

AAB and Hardie Caldwell reported a combined turnover last financial year of £30 million and now have ambitions to deliver £50 million group revenue by 2025 following the merger.

AAB expects to strengthen its 330-strong team with further recruitment later this year.

The Hardie Caldwell business in Glasgow will be re-branded as AAB with immediate effect.

The three Hardie Caldwell partners Angus McCuaig, Douglas Emery and Pauline McGarry become AAB partners as a result of the merger, with Angus McCuaig, current managing partner of Hardie Caldwell assuming the role of AAB’s managing partner in Glasgow, having been appointed to the AAB Board.

AAB CEO Graeme Allan said: “This is a fantastic development for both businesses with a shared vision of providing an awesome client experience and supporting our clients’ diverse needs across sectors and geographies.

“The merger provides AAB with a greater geographical footprint and gives us a key presence in Glasgow which will help us realise our growth strategy to 2025 and beyond.

“This is an extremely important milestone for the group.”

McCuaig said” “We have a long history of working in partnership with AAB and look forward to moving this on to the next level through the merger of the two firms.

“We are hugely excited by the opportunities this creates for both our staff and clients as we embark on exciting growth plans to create a much larger AAB business in Glasgow and across the wider Central Belt.”