AZ NGA acquires Victorian advice firm

In a statement, AZ NGA said it had made a strategic investment in Melbourne firm Matthews Steer Accountants and Advisors.

The group said Matthews Steer employed 50 staff and provided traditional financial planning and accounting services, as well as business and tax advisory, business mentoring and government grant facilitation for businesses in industrial sectors such as advanced manufacturing and logistics.

“In Melbourne’s north-west corridor of industry, Matthews Steer is the trusted adviser to leading businesses and families in the region,” AZ NGA chief executive Paul Barrett said. 

“It has built a reputation as the region’s premier accounting and advisory firm by delivering excellent service and advice, and helping local businesses achieve strategic results.

“Matthews Steer exemplifies the characteristics we look for in a partner firm. It has a clear strategy, it has successfully carved out a niche in specialist areas and it has a collaborative, client-centric culture.”

Matthews Steer co-founder and managing director Ken Matthews added that AZ NGA’s cultural alignment with the firm was a key deciding factor in the deal.

“Their investment in Matthews Steer will provide greater capacity to continue to support our clients and extend our services to other entrepreneurs & family businesses,” Mr Matthews said.

“I’m excited to see our team continue to thrive as part of this strategic alliance and to empower them to live their potential.”

Mr Barrett said AZ NGA was looking to expand its presence in Victoria after initially concentrating its acquisitions in the advice space around NSW and Queensland.

The group had acquired more than 65 financial planning and accounting businesses since 2015.