Acclime is accelerating its expansion across Australasia with a fresh acquisition in New Zealand, picking up Auckland-based accounting firm The Advisory Group (Tag). Established in 2006, Tag brings a team of over 30 to Acclime’s growing regional network and will adopt the Acclime brand later this year.
New Zealand’s Role in Acclime’s Regional Growth
The acquisition follows Acclime’s initial foray into the New Zealand market through its 2023 purchase of VCFO Group. The move was framed by co-founder Martin Crawford as an entry into “a significant incubator for innovation” and “a destination for foreign investment,” with New Zealand’s regional trade connections supporting broader growth across Australasia.
Expanding Services for Local and Global Clients
The addition of Tag strengthens Acclime’s professional services portfolio with established offerings in tax advisory, business consulting, and company secretarial support. Tag’s diverse client base—spanning SMEs, global corporations, and high-net-worth individuals—complements Acclime’s growth strategy.
The acquisition also deepens Acclime’s market presence in areas such as virtual CFO and fund services. Acclime stated the transaction “allowed it to broaden its service offerings and gave Tag’s clients enhanced opportunities for regional and global expansion through Acclime’s worldwide network across more than 18 markets.”
Leadership Integration Supports Continuity and Growth
The integration sees Tag’s leadership team—Sudhir Lala, Graham Lawrence, and Martyn Henderson—take on roles within Acclime’s New Zealand operations. Both companies will retain their current Auckland locations, with no immediate changes to physical offices.
Acclime CEO Izzy Silva pointed to New Zealand’s role in the firm’s broader regional strategy: “As Acclime continues to expand its differentiated professional services in the region, New Zealand plays a pivotal role in supporting our clients, particularly those entering the market or seeking growth opportunities in Asia.”
Acquisition Reinforces Market Position
Acclime’s recent acquisition represents a key milestone in the firm’s growth trajectory, positioning it as one of the leading professional services providers in New Zealand. The deal enhances the company’s advisory expertise across the region.
According to Randolph van der Burgh, Acclime’s regional director for Australasia, the acquisition “boosted its advisory capabilities in Australasia and solidified Acclime’s position as a top 20 accounting, tax, advisory, and governance firm in NZ.”
Positive Reception from The Advisory Group Leadership
Sudhir Lala, director of Tag, called the firm’s recent acquisition a natural progression in its ongoing growth strategy. “This partnership offers tremendous opportunities for both our team and our clients,” Lala said.
“We are already seeing positive outcomes as we collaborate to deliver greater value to our clients.” He referred to the acquisition as a “logical step” after the firm’s consistent growth in recent years.
Conclusion
The rebranding of Tag under the Acclime name is set to be finalised by the end of 2025, with both firms maintaining operations as usual during the transition.
This move is part of Acclime’s strategy to further enhance its cross-border business development, drive regional innovation, and expand its client-focused service model across Australasia.