Addleshaw Goddard has advised leading professional services firm AAB Group and private equity investor August Equity on AAB’s new strategic investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to complete in 2025.

The deal marks a significant milestone in AAB’s ambitious growth journey, having tripled in size since 2021, expanded across the UK and Ireland, and reached £100 million in annual revenues earlier this year. Addleshaw Goddard have worked alongside AAB since prior to August’s investment including advising on all of their UK and Ireland strategic acquisitions, led by Corporate Partner Laura Falls “Working with AAB as they have been on this transformative growth journey has been really exciting.  To look back at the initial acquisitions, the August investment and see where AAB are now and how they have been focused on what they want to achieve is a great example of how private equity investment can support and allow a business to achieve those growth goals.  We have loved working with the AAB team and are excited to see what is next.”  Addleshaw Goddard acted as legal adviser to both AAB and August Equity on the transaction, which positions AAB for its next phase of accelerated growth alongside one of the world’s most prominent investment platforms. The team was a cross-office deal lead by Paul Medlicott, Laura Falls and Sarah Dick in relation to the diligence and the sale and Gemma Phillips and Miriam Doukhan in relation to the management equity advice and comes at a time where there is a huge amount of private equity interest and investment in accountancy services and professional services in general.

Kishan Chotai, Partner at August Equity said:

"AAB have worked closely with the AG team throughout the lifetime of our investment and they been very supportive. AG’s huge experience in the accountancy services space meant they were a natural fit to support the entire shareholder team with the transaction and we were delighted with how we all worked together to deliver a fantastic outcome for all shareholders.”

Gemma Phillips, Private Equity Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, who co-led the deal, said:

"We are proud to have supported both AAB and August Equity on this transformative transaction. AAB’s growth trajectory is testament to the quality of the business and its leadership, and this investment by Goldman Sachs Alternatives reflects the confidence in AAB’s continued expansion across professional services. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside such a dynamic team."

Paul Medlicott, Head of Private Equity at Addleshaw Goddard and co-lead on the transaction, added:

"It has been fantastic to support AAB and August on this transaction. The deal exemplifies the strength of the UK private equity and professional services market and the increasing interest from global investors in well-run, people-driven businesses. AAB’s success story demonstrates how strategic private equity backing—first from August, and now from Goldman Sachs—can unlock exceptional value. We are delighted to have played our part in helping deliver such a significant outcome for all involved.”

Addleshaw Goddard’s Private Equity practice has continued its exceptional momentum across 2024 and 2025, securing major accolades including Law Firm of the Year: Transactions at the 2024 Private Equity Wire European Emerging Manager Awards and repeat recognition at the Real Deals Private Equity Awards, while expanding its bench strength with lateral hires from top-tier firms such as Kirkland & Ellis and Milbank. Notable arrivals include Sharon Skipper-Gordon and Robbie Hay, bolstering capabilities in complex cross-border deals and US-linked transactions. The firm now boasts 44 Private Equity partners and over 120 dedicated PE lawyers, offering deep sectoral expertise and a full-service platform across the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. In line with its international growth strategy, Addleshaw Goddard has recently launched new offices in Warsaw, Madrid, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi, further strengthening its ability to support global sponsors, investors, and portfolio companies with seamless execution.