Financial advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts, which has a wealth planning division run by a Chartered Financial Planner, has expanded with the acquisition of a Lancashire-based HNW client tax specialist STS Europe.

Burscough-based STS advises high net worth clients including UK-resident non-domiciles on areas such as inheritance tax, trusts and offshore structures.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, enables the retirement of STS owner Andy Sharp.

Dow Schofield Watts is the parent company of DSW Wealth Planning LLP, run by Chartered Financial Planner Jonathon Jay, and is an appointed representative of Corbel Partners Limited. It provides a range of services, including Financial Planning and business planning including workplace pensions. It is based in Warrington.

STS provides a range of services including assisting offshore banks and trust companies throughout Europe with UK tax issues.

STS Europe will now become part of DSW Tax Advisory, Dow Schofield Watts’ tax practice. It will remain in its Burscough office and will operate as DSW STS in the immediate future.

Andrew Robinson, a director of STS, will become a partner in DSW Tax Advisory.

Dow Schofield Watts says it offers an alternative to traditional accountancy and tax firms by enabling professionals to run their own business under its brand. DSW Capital plc, the company which owns the Dow Schofield Watts brand, provided funding support for the transaction.

Dave Waddington, of DSW Tax Advisory, said: “STS has built a strong reputation for its work with high-net worth clients and offshore trusts. The acquisition will bring additional expertise to DSW Tax Advisory and enable us to expand the range of services we offer. We are delighted to welcome Andrew on board.”

Dow Schofield Watts is an independent advisory business established in 2002. It employs more than 100 professionals, based in offices in Aberdeen, the North West of England, Leeds, London, Nottingham and Reading. It provides a range of professional services, including wealth management, corporate finance, tax advisory and debt advisory and wealth management.