Osborne Clarke advises Shaw Gibbs and Apiary Capital on an investment by ECI Partners

International legal practice Osborne Clarke has advised Shaw Gibbs' management team and Apiary Capital on ECI Partners’ investment in Shaw Gibbs, a leading UK accountancy, tax and business advisory firm. Apiary Capital has exited completely which marks the start of a new stage of growth for Shaw Gibbs with support from ECI.

This transaction highlights Osborne Clarke’s strong track record in advising private equity-backed professional services businesses on complex M&A processes. It underlines the firm's capabilities across corporate, tax, regulatory and employment workstreams, and reinforces Osborne Clarke’s position as a go‑to adviser on significant transactions in the financial and business services sector. Osborne Clarke has advised Shaw Gibbs on eight of its acquisitions under Apiary's ownership.

It was a pleasure to support the management team and Apiary on this important milestone in Shaw Gibbs’ growth journey. The transaction reflects the strength of Shaw Gibbs’ platform in the accountancy and advisory market, and with its backing by a leading private equity investor like ECI Partners, it demonstrates the vison and strength of the Shaw Gibbs' leadership team.

Rob Hayes, Partner, Osborne Clarke.

Having built a strong relationship working closely with the Osborne Clarke team over the past few years, we were grateful to Rob, Lesley, Sian, Matt and the wider Osborne Clarke team for their expertise on the transaction. Having developed a strong understanding of our business and team, they were able to use this knowledge to provide insightful advice and deliver an efficient and effective result for all parties. We look forward to their continued support as we head into the next stage of the Shaw Gibbs journey.

Peter O'Connell, CEO Shaw Gibbs Limited.

We're very grateful to Rob and the rest of the OC team for their excellent support on this transaction. Their commercial insight and responsiveness throughout the process were invaluable in helping us deliver a smooth outcome for all parties and we look forward to working with them again

Chris Heawood, Partner, Apiary Capital.

The Osborne Clarke deal team advising on the sale for Apiary and the management team was led by partner Rob Hayes, supported by legal director Lesley Olsen, senior associate Sian Daly and associate Tim Rouse, with the equity workstream for management led by partner Alisdair Livingstone, supported by associate director Lottie France and senior associate Matt Mayes (Corporate). Further support was provided by partner Mat Oliver and associate director Jonny Squires (Tax), legal director Clare Burman (Regulatory), and associate director Natasha Burbidge (Employment).