Optionis drives growth plans with new acquisition

Business services firm Optionis has acquired tax rebate solutions company Arnsco, marking its fifth takeover in the last two years.

Cheshire-headquartered Optionis will maintain the Arnsco brand within ClearSky Business, its SME division.

Optionis’ managing director of SME, Robert White, said: “We are committed to building our presence in the tax rebate solutions market, as part of our strategy to build on and extend the services offered to SMEs and their employees.

“Arnsco’s expertise in providing tax and accountancy services, when sitting alongside our recent Brian Alfred acquisition, means that we are well placed to deliver a market-leading tax return service to CIS construction workers and other PAYE-based employees.”

The transaction has brought Warrington-based Optionis’ staff count across its UK sites to 350.

In December 2014, Optionis took over London-based tax specialist Brian Alfred Associates, which followed the acquisition of accountancy firms Wheatley Pearce, Lofts & Co and Michael Brookes & Co.

Manchester law firm DWF advised Optionis during the deal, while Arnsco was advised by Ibis Consult and Ward Hadaway.