City presence boosted with acquisition of general rating division.
Specialist property advisers, Vail Williams, has strengthened its business rates division in Birmingham with the acquisition of the general rating division of Ruddle Merz. The acquisition, which comes just 12 months on from that of Bisset Moffatt Hill, further strengthens Vail Williams’ business rates advice team, which now comprises over twenty people based across the firm’s offices in the Midlands and south of England.
The deal comes on the back of a successful financial year for Vail Williams which, one year into a three year business plan under new Managing Partner Matthew Samuel-Camps, has seen further positive progress towards realising its ambitious growth plan. The acquisition, which completed on 31st May, significantly bolsters Vail Williams’ business rates capabilities in the Midlands in the critical months following April’s business rates Revaluation, and comes weeks after the firm expanded its presence in Birmingham.
In May the firm moved to larger offices on Newhall Street to accommodate its growing team, which recently included the arrival of property investment expert, Richard Goodall, who joined as partner from JLL.
Speaking of the deal, Chris Cave, Vail Williams’ Regional Managing Partner for the Midlands (pictured) said: “We are delighted to announce that the general rating division of RM is joining Vail Williams. The business enjoys an excellent national reputation, and their team will play a significant role in the continued growth of our Birmingham team.
“By combining the skills and experience of three rating departments from Vail Williams, BMH and the general rating division of RM, we believe that we are best placed to provide the expert business rates advice that our clients need. One year in to our three year business development plan, we are seeing positive growth in line with expectations, and we hope to continue this trend as we seek opportunities to work with more like-minded businesses such as RM and BMH.”
Three of the team, headed by Nick Sercombe, will move to the firm’s Birmingham office, whilst the remaining three, headed by Sarah Davey, will relocate to Vail Williams’ London office.
Nick Sercombe, Director of Surveying at RM, concluded: “We’re pleased to be bringing our experience and business rates expertise to complement the existing offering at Vail Williams’ Birmingham office. This is an incredibly important time for occupiers, so we are delighted to be able to work to provide clients with the expert business rates advice they need, supported by the wider infrastructure of the Vail Williams business.”
For more information about Vail Williams LLP, visit www.vailwilliams.com
