Goldman Sachs acquires AAB
Emma Lancaster – CEO of AAB
AAB has announced that Goldman Sachs Alternatives has agreed to acquire the firm from private equity investor August Equity, pending regulatory approval.
The transition marks a significant milestone for AAB, reinforcing the firm’s trajectory of sustained growth while ensuring continuity for clients and further strengthening its reputation in the professional services market. AAB became a £100 million revenue firm in January 2025 having tripled in size in just three years.
AAB supports businesses and individuals with accounting, tax, audit, corporate finance, HR, payroll and wealth advisory. Since 2021, the firm has experienced exceptional expansion under August Equity’s partnership by tripling in size, completing 16 strategic acquisitions, broadening its footprint across the UK and Ireland while growing the team headcount to over 1,000 people.
Emma Lancaster, chief executive at AAB, said: “Our partnership with August Equity has been transformational. Their investment and strategic support enabled us to accelerate our growth journey, invest in talent and technology, and expand the range of services we offer to clients.
“As we welcome our new private equity partner, Goldman Sachs Alternatives, we remain focused on delivering long-term value to our clients and our team while accelerating our growth strategy with exceptional backing.”
Jose Barreto, partner within private equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, who will now support AAB’s continued development, added: “We are delighted to invest in AAB at this hugely exciting stage in its evolution.
“As a Top 25 Accounting firm in the UK, we see AAB going from strength to strength and fast becoming a leading provider of professional services to the UK and Irish mid-market.”
Mihir Lal, managing director within private equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, also added: “We have strong conviction that Goldman Sachs Alternatives can support Emma and her team on a journey of strong growth, technology enablement, and continued M&A across key markets.”
Kishan Chotai, partner at August Equity, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the outstanding team at AAB and support the leadership team and wider business over the last few years.
“Together, we have delivered a strong and sustainable growth strategy that has positioned AAB as a major force in the UK’s professional services market, and underlines August’s ethos and track record in investing in people-led, essential services businesses.
“We are proud of what has been accomplished and look forward to following AAB’s journey as it continues to thrive with Goldman Sachs Alternatives.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in 2025.
AAB and August were advised by William Blair and Alantra (corporate finance), OC&C (commercial), PwC (financial and tax) and Addleshaw Goddard (legal). Goldman Sachs was advised on the transaction by Houlihan Lokey (M&A), Linklaters (legal), EY Parthenon (commercial), and EY (financial & tax).