Leading accounting and advisory firm MHA is pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of Moore Stephens LLC, an audit practice, and Moore Stephens Consulting LLC, a tax and consulting services firm (together "MS UAE").
On 22 December 2025, MHA announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire MS UAE, a well-established professional services business providing audit, tax and advisory services across the UAE and also a registered auditor with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC - regulated by the DFSA) as well as all other major free zone jurisdictions in the country. The acquisition is consistent with MHA’s strategy of pursuing selective cross-border opportunities that enhance the firm’s international presence.
MS UAE is led by Managing Partner Farad Lakdawala and has six partners in total, all of whom will remain with MHA. Both firms comprising MS UAE now trade under the MHA brand.
For the year ended 31 December 2025, MS UAE generated revenue of approximately AED 32 million (c£6.6 million). The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing within the first full financial year following completion.
Rakesh Shaunak, CEO of MHA, commented: “The completion of the MS UAE acquisition marks another important step in delivering MHA’s international growth strategy. It gives us a strong foothold in a strategically important market with attractive long-term fundamentals, broadens our international reach and strengthens our ability to support clients operating across key global trade and investment corridors. We are delighted to welcome Farad and the wider team to MHA.”
Farad Lakdawala, Managing Partner of MS UAE, commented: “Joining MHA aligns with our ambition to build a leading advisory presence in a market that continues to attract global capital and enterprise. The reputation and strength of the MHA brand and business model create a compelling platform for the next stage of our growth. By combining our local insight with the Group’s broader capabilities, we look forward to delivering enhanced value for clients and contributing to the continued success of the wider firm.”
Among its UK locations, MHA has Scottish offices in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. MHA is the representative of the Baker Tilly International ("BTI") network in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova.