ACCOUNTANCY FIRM ACQUISITION REVEALS DJH SOUTH EAST EXPANSION STRATEGY
The DJH acquisition of Loucas marks a decisive step in the firm’s South East expansion strategy, signalling continued consolidation in the UK accountancy sector as private equity-backed groups compete for regional scale and advisory depth.
A leading accountancy and professional services group has intensified its expansion across the South East of England through the acquisition of London-based firm Loucas, reinforcing its ambitions to build a national advisory platform for owner-managed businesses.
The deal follows DJH’s earlier purchase of McBrides in 2025 and reflects a deliberate push into one of the UK’s most commercially active regions. Backed by private equity firm Tenzing, DJH has pursued a rapid buy-and-build strategy, with Loucas representing its 20th acquisition since 2020.
Founded in 1974, Loucas has developed a longstanding presence across London and the wider South East, cultivating relationships with owner-managed businesses over more than five decades. The firm will now integrate into DJH’s broader network, adding regional depth and a client base built largely on referrals.
Scott Heath, Chief Executive Officer of DJH, commented: “When we made our first acquisition in 2025, we made it clear the South East was a region we intended to grow in, and that’s exactly what we are doing.
“The area is emerging as one of the most entrepreneurial counties in the UK and the demand for high quality business advice and consultancy is continuing to grow. It has the business density, the entrepreneurial energy, and the economic momentum that makes it exactly the kind of market we want to serve.”
He continued: “Loucas is the type of practice we look for. A 50-year strong track record, an expert team that has built something genuinely special, a firm that clients trust, return to, and recommend.
“More than a quarter of its work comes through referrals, and that speaks for itself. The more we learned about the business, the more excited we became about bringing this partnership to life.
“Our model works best when we combine the reach and resources of a national group with real, locally led expertise. Importantly, Loucas’ coverage across London, Brighton, Maidstone and Kent perfectly complements our existing Bexley office and gives us the kind of broad, connected South East presence we have been working towards.”
The transaction underscores a broader trend reshaping the UK accountancy market, where private equity-backed consolidators are targeting mid-tier firms with strong local reputations. These acquisitions offer scale, cross-selling opportunities and access to specialist advisory services that smaller firms often struggle to build independently.
For Loucas, the integration provides immediate access to an expanded suite of in-house capabilities, including estate planning, capital allowances, R&D tax credits, corporate finance, commercial funding, HR consultancy and technology support. The firm’s leadership structure will remain unchanged, with Athos Louca continuing as Managing Director.
“Joining DJH gives our clients and team a wider platform while preserving more than 50 years of relationship-first culture. I’m excited about what this partnership means for our clients across London and the South East,” added Athos Louca.
The strategic logic is clear: regional density combined with national infrastructure. DJH’s footprint now spans the North West, Yorkshire, the Midlands, the South East and Dublin, with a workforce exceeding 800 across the UK and Ireland.
As competition intensifies among accountancy consolidators, the ability to balance local client relationships with centralised expertise is becoming a defining differentiator. Firms that can integrate acquisitions without diluting service quality are likely to dominate the next phase of market consolidation.
DJH’s Scott Heath concluded: “Every deal we complete must reinforce our commitment to delivering national resources with locally led advice, guidance and expertise – going above and beyond compliance to help clients overcome challenges and scale.”
