Wed, 01 Oct 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
Acquisitive accountancy group Cooper Parry has expanded with the acquisition of a cybersecurity specialist. The deal is Cooper Parry’s fifth since partnering with New York-based private equity firm Lee Equity Partners earlier this year and its 17th since early 2023.
The group has acquired URM Consulting Services Limited, a Reading-based expert in information and cyber security, data protection, business continuity and risk management, in a deal that takes its pro-forma turnover past £240 million. Cooper Parry is seeking to reach turnover of £600 million by 2028 and £1 billion by 2030.
URM, which was founded 20 years ago, provides consulting and training services across cyber and information security. Post-acquisition, the 70-strong firm will join Cooper Parry’s £20m-turnover digital consulting business, anchoring the division’s cyber and information security offering.
According to Cooper Parry, the URM Consulting Services team will bring "market-leading capability and a razor-sharp focus on keeping ahead of a fast-changing threat landscape."
URM Consulting Services Chief Executive Lisa Dargan (pictured above with Cooper Parry CEO Ade Cheatham) said: "For 20 years, URM has built an outstanding reputation for providing high quality, tailored consultancy and training services. We now have the unique chance to lead the next generation of end-to-end assurance providers.”
"Acting as the cyber security cornerstone within the CP group, we'll be able to offer existing and future clients truly integrated assurance services across all areas of business risk and further strengthen and develop our service offering."
Cooper Parry Chief Executive Ade Cheatham added: "URM is a class act. Lisa and her brilliant team have built something special - with original thinking, deep relationships, and real talent. Their agility in a fast-moving space sets them apart.
"With Digital consulting already a £20m-plus business within CP, this deal adds even more firepower, depth, and client value to the group."
A growing number of UK accountancy firms are using M&A to expand their service offering and meet changing client expectations
This highly profitable South Yorkshire Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) firm boasts an impressive £150m in Funds Under Management and has been established for 15 to 20 years.
This ultra-high-net-worth business in London boasts an impressive portfolio size, with the average household managing over £1.75m, attracting valuable and profitable clients.
This established IFA firm in the West Midlands boasts £135m in FUM and is supported by a skilled team of advisers and back-office staff who ensure smooth operations post-acquisition.
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