Blick Rothenberg have appointed Paul Cooper as a Partner in Financial Services, Ed Rieu a Partner in US/UK Private Client and Jackie Oakes as a Partner in Audit Assurance and Advisory.
CEO Nimesh Shah said: “We are delighted to welcome Jackie, Ed and Paul to Blick Rothenberg, and enhancing our offering in their respective areas as we continue to build the firm for the future. They each bring different technical expertise to the firm, and it is incredibly exciting for me that our people will benefit from their knowledge and experience.”
Paul Cooper started his career as an international corporate tax advisor before moving into a Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) team. He has been a deals tax Partner at a number of the large accounting firms focusing on Venture Capital and Private Equity clients in particular. He worked in the Private Equity industry, first as a Director in the Tax and Structuring Team at Terra Firma Capital Partners and then as Chief Operating Officer for Lion Capital.
Paul said: “I give tax advice on fund structuring and all aspects of deals, including tax due diligence. More recently I have focused on advising entrepreneurial high net worth individuals and family offices. Having worked in the industry, I believe the key to giving good advice is that it must be actionable in the real world!”
He added: “I joined Blick Rothenberg because I believe there is unique opportunity to build an outstanding mid-market focused funds and deals tax business at the firm. With the Rees Pollock acquisition, we have an excellent client base in the sector together with the tax expertise Blick Rothenberg has been investing in. Together this allows us to punch way above our weight and offer mid-market funds. A truly different and better offering than they get from the other incumbent advisors.”
Ed Rieu has joined Blick Rothenberg from Sopher + Co where he spent eight years building a US/UK high net worth/entrepreneur advisory and compliance practice. Ed, a US lawyer, joins with over 35 years’ experience providing US tax compliance and consultancy services to entrepreneurs, SMEs, hedge fund managers, private equity and businesses looking to invest or expand in the US or the UK.
Ed said: “I focus my efforts on working with clients to understand their objectives and find the simplest and most practical way to achieve them. I enjoy finding solutions that best fit a client’s needs. I am able to draw on over 35 years’ experience in US tax working with UK and European multinational companies, middle market and start up enterprises to expand operations in the US, and those in the US to expand and grow in the UK and Europe. I have advised start-ups on how best to structure from seed round finance to series A rounds through to trade sale or public listing.
“I also advise companies and entrepreneurs on acquiring new businesses, engaging in joint ventures either through a partnership or company, as well as achieving tax efficiency in managing intellectual property, financing operations, and accessing tax treaties. I saw the opportunities that Blick Rothenberg has to offer with a larger US tax service offering, together with a first-class corporate advisory team to help further expand a rapidly growing practice.”
Jackie Oakes has joined Blick Rothenberg from Smith and Williamson where she spent more than 20 years, the last 10 as a Partner.
During her career she has provided external Audit and Assurance services, financial reporting and accounting advice and training for boards and senior finance teams. Jackie has worked with a variety of real estate and growth businesses including AIM-listed and private companies, international groups, owner managed businesses, partnerships, offshore structures, and a variety of not-for-profit organisations.
She has experience in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and UK GAAP, including advising and training numerous clients on the technical and practical aspects of the adoption of new standards.
Jackie said: “I most enjoy developing long-term relationships with my clients, that are built on trust, respect, and a desire to have fun while we work. I joined Blick Rothenberg as the culture and values of the business align well with what is important to me. I was also excited to be a part of Blick Rothenberg’s growth journey and the opportunities this will bring.”
For more information, please contact David Barzilay.