Houghton Stone, one of the Bristol area’s largest independent accountancy practices, has been taken over by regional group Milsted Langdon.
Houghton Stone, which was launched in 1989 by managing partner Dickie Houghton and has since rivalled the large national and regional players to offer a range of services to entrepreneurial businesses across the South West.
Its acquisition follows Milsted Langdon’s take over of established Bristol practices David Cottrell & Co Geoff Gollop & Co.
Dickie Houghton, pictured, who was previously voted the youngest-ever president of the local certified accountants’ organisation, will now join Milsted Langdon’s Bristol office, along with his seven-strong team.
The Houghton Stone name will disappear and its Hambrook office closed with all staff transferring to Milsted Langdon’s Redcliffe Way office.
Milsted Langdon, which also has offices in Bath, London, Taunton and Yeovil, was founded in 1988 by Jonathan Langdon – who remains chairman – and Simon Milsted.
The firm has 28 partners and directors and more than 200 staff following a several years of strong growth, including through a string of acquisitions of smaller practices.
Dickie Houghton said: “We are very much looking forward to joining Milsted Langdon, which is recognised as an ambitious and award-winning practice with an excellent track record. The expanded firm presents us with excellent opportunities to grow and develop across all areas of our practice.”
Jonathan Langdon, pictured, added: “This is an exciting opportunity which will bring significant benefits to our clients. Milsted Langdon and Houghton Stone have complementary strengths with many synergies in our vision and culture, making them a very good strategic fit. 
“This will provide exciting growth opportunities for our commercial and private client practices. For our clients, it means greater choice and access to an even wider range of business services and accountancy expertise.”
Milsted Langdon has strong private client and commercial practices in the South West of England as well as a growing national reputation for its forensic and insolvency work.
Financial details of the deal have not been revealed.
