GCS supports LDC on its investment in Fortus

GCS is pleased to have provided Commercial Due Diligence to LDC on its investment in Fortus, the York-based accountancy and business advisory firm.

Founded in 2020, Fortus has built a 115-strong team of specialists across accountancy, audit, tax and wider advisory services, operating from offices in York, Leeds and Scarborough. The firm supports more than 4,500 SMEs across the region and has established clear momentum through a combination of organic growth and acquisition.

LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, is backing founder and chief executive Craig Herbert, chief operating officer Andy Northern and chief marketing officer Rich Burnett, all of whom remain in their roles to lead the next stage. The investment will support continued investment in people and systems, alongside a buy-and-build strategy targeting further geographical and service expansion to complement the firm's existing presence across Yorkshire.

GCS carried out a comprehensive CDD review, assessing Fortus's market positioning, growth potential, client base, and the scalability of its service model and buy-and-build strategy.

The GCS team on the transaction was led by James Tetherton, working alongside Anthony West, Connie Smith, Sophie Isaacs and Dan Smith at LDC.

This engagement builds on GCS's strong track record in professional services, underlining our role in supporting ambitious advisory firms and their investors at key inflection points in their journey.