Fortus buys Leeds-based accountants Charles Stewart & Co
Wed, 26 Feb 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
Financial firm Fortus has bought Leeds-based accountants and business advisory Charles Stewart & Co as part of its 5-year growth strategy.
Fortus, which offers services ranging from accounts to business audit and wealth management said the deal would also enhance its compliance capabilities and provide a robust foundation for further growth in the city. It has offices in Scarborough, York, Leeds, Manchester, Leicester, Milton Keynes and London.
Craig Herbert, Group CEO of Fortus, said “Ensuring that client service remains consistent and unchanged is an absolute priority for us and given our team now consists of 120 outstanding people, we’re confident of successfully navigating that challenge. We will now be able to leverage the combined expertise of both teams, ultimately delivering enhanced value to clients of Charles Stewart & Co.”
He said the deal positions it for scalable growth in the future which, aligning with its 5-year growth strategy, “focuses on us coming together with businesses driven by culture, in-house expertise and quality clients”.
Fortus hit record revenues in 2025, with forecasts set to exceed £10 million in 2026. Last year also saw the successful launch of a new Business Finance service, headed up by experienced finance broker, Richard Swan, as well as the completion of the acquisition of JWP Creers in York earlier in the year.
Former owner of Charles Stewart & Co, Andrew Charles – now a Director at Fortus – said: “This acquisition is crucial for my business and for my team. Not only does it provide our clients with an array of additional services that a firm of our size has not previously been able to offer in-house, but it also gives my team the security of being part of a bigger business which will unlock many opportunities for their own personal professional growth. It will very much be business as usual for all concerned.”
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