l-r Panos Michaelides – ALG, Damon Brain – Duncan & Toplis, Amilios Costa – Duncan & Toplis, Mark Hilton – ALG
One of the largest accountants and business advisers in the UK, Duncan & Toplis, has acquired London-based accountants, ALG – marking an exciting milestone in the group’s largest period of growth since it was established in 1925.
The deal will see ALG rebrand, with all team members including directors Mark Hilton and Panos Michaelides remaining in their roles.
The team will join their new Duncan & Toplis colleagues in the Finchley office, which opened in September 2024 following the company’s acquisition of Haines Watts North London.
The acquisition will allow Duncan & Toplis – which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year – to strengthen its standing in the capital.
Damon Brain, CEO of Duncan & Toplis, said:
“Last year, we began a new era of our company’s history with the launch of our Growing Together strategy. Now, this is another exciting step for us and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the start of our centenary year.”
Amilios Costa, Regional Director for London at Duncan & Toplis, added:
“We’re very excited to be welcoming ALG to Duncan & Toplis – Mark, Panos and the team will bring a wealth of experience and expertise, helping us to maximise our potential here in North London.”
l-r Mark Hilton – ALG, Panos Michaelides – ALG, Damon Brain – Duncan & Toplis, Amilios Costa – Duncan & Toplis
Mark Hilton, partner at ALG, said:
“Becoming a part of Duncan & Toplis presents a fantastic opportunity for our team and our clients. We’ll be able to provide an extended range of services and enhanced support, helping our clients realise their potential and thrive.”
Panos Michaelides, partner at ALG, added:
“Partnering with Duncan & Toplis marks an exciting new chapter for us – their commitment and drive are a perfect fit with our own. We’re eager to see the valuable advantages this will create for our clients, and for our team, who will now have even more opportunities to develop within a dynamic and growth-orientated organisation.”
The acquisition of ALG has received full regulatory approval and Duncan & Toplis is continuing active acquisition discussions with other like-minded businesses.
In 1925 two Nottingham based Chartered Accountants, Stanley Duncan and Eric Toplis, decided to start their own practice. Opening in Mansfield Road, Nottingham they soon decided upon a second base in Grantham and the partners regularly travelled by train or car to service the clients.
The office was on the High Street in Barclays Bank (now The Old Bank) Chambers and extended over the first, second and third floors.
In the late 1950s John Hindmarch joined and soon after qualifying became a partner. He recruited his right hand man, Keith Johnson, and by the late 60s a period of rapid growth began. At this time the office only employed 15 or so people in Grantham.
At this time the move to 3 Castlegate occurred with the acquisition of nos 4 and 5 very soon afterwards. Mergers with Baldock & Gregory and Bridger Wells & Co both of Avenue Road, followed.
More property acquisitions so the northern extent of the premises was to the Beehive Inn. Adding the British Legion building in the early 2000s became the southern boundary (its badge as Branch 9407 is still on display).
The business has expanded beyond pure accountancy and Castlegate Financial Management offers financial services and Datcom computer support services.
After John Hindmarch’s retirement, Peter Townsend headed up the business – one of a large number of King’s School Old Boys to pass through. Between them, John, Peter and Keith Johnson marked up just over 150 years’ service, each having completed 50 years or more with the firm.
For more information about Duncan & Toplis, visit www.duncantoplis.co.uk.
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