AAB strengthens UK presence with acquisition of GS Verde to create regional hub in Wales & South West

Combined business becomes Top 5 Dealmakers in the UK (based on Experian reports)

Leading professional services firm AAB has acquired GS Verde Group, marking its expansion into Wales and the South West, while establishing a platform to build a key regional hub.

The GS Verde Group operates as a multi-discipline advisory firm, specialising in guiding businesses through a wide range of corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions, management buyouts, investments, and employee ownership transitions.  The firm employs over 50 people and supports clients from offices in Cardiff, Bristol, Cheltenham and Dublin.

The deal takes AAB’s turnover to £135 million, and the acquisition of GS Verde is the first deal following the recent investment by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, which aims to accelerate growth across the UK and Ireland.

The combination of the businesses also propels AAB into the top 5 dealmakers across the UK based on the latest available data from Experian for the first half of 2025. GS Verde will continue to operate under its existing brand before transitioning to AAB in due course. The regional management team will remain in place to drive the next phase of expansion.

GS Verde has earned recognition as an award-winning business, known for its disruptive approach, strong M&A rankings, and its ability to complete several strategic acquisitions in recent years. Its multi-service structure and entrepreneurial culture make it a natural fit with AAB’s vision to deliver integrated, expert-led services to clients across all sectors.

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive of AAB said: “GS Verde’s entrepreneurial DNA and multi-discipline offering mirror our own approach and make this an incredibly strong growth opportunity for both teams. Together, we achieve top 5 deal making status while creating a key regional hub that creates our presence in Wales and the South West supporting clients with even greater depth and expertise.”

Nigel Greenaway, CEO of GS Verde, added: “Joining AAB marks the next exciting step in our journey. We’ve built a business that challenges the traditional professional services model, and partnering with AAB allows us to accelerate that ambition. Our clients and our people will continue as before – but with the backing of a Group that shares our vision for innovation, growth, and exceptional client service.”

The acquisition is part of AAB’s strategic expansion plan, with further acquisitions already under discussion to strengthen its regional and national footprint. AAB now employs over 1,100 people across 17 locations in the UK and Ireland.