Azets, the international accountancy and business advisory group, has completed the acquisition of Alextra, a regional firm operating across Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Lancashire.

The deal sees Alextra’s three offices in Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent, and Warrington join the Azets network. The move strengthens the group’s presence in the "M6 corridor" connecting the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, a key industrial and logistics artery in Northern England.

While the accountancy and advisory teams will integrate into Azets and undergo rebranding, Alextra’s Wealth Management arm is not part of the transaction and will continue to operate as a separate, independent entity.

The acquisition brings all staff from the three regional offices into the Azets Group, which currently employs approximately 4,000 people across more than 70 UK locations. The firm indicated that this expansion precedes further planned investment and recruitment within the North West.

Alextra has established a significant presence in the region through its work with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Following the transition, the senior management team will remain in situ. Mathew Weaver has been appointed as the Office Managing Partner for the Stoke, Crewe, and Warrington locations.

Peter Gallanagh, UK&I CEO at Azets, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Alextra to Azets. They’re a high-performing, well-respected practice with a hugely talented team, and have a history of providing excellent support to SMEs both locally and across the country.

“Alextra will be the bridge between the Midlands and North West for Azets and the team there share our approach to supporting and developing our people, our belief in first-rate client service, and our ambition to grow and evolve as a business.”

Mathew Weaver, Managing Partner for Stoke-on-Trent, Crewe and Warrington at Azets, said: “We’re delighted to join Azets. Becoming part of the Group will help us with our plans to scale and grow, and we’ll benefit from access to broader infrastructure, capability and support, while maintaining our client-focused approach and local presence.

“It’s a very exciting move which will enable us to deliver better value to our clients, work smarter, grow faster, and provide greater opportunities for our team.”

Legal counsel for Azets was provided by the law firm Shoosmiths.