Paton & Co has agreed a merger with Peter Graham and Associates, expanding its operations beyond the Borders into Northumberland, the Highlands and northeast Scotland.
The combined business will operate under the Paton & Co name and bring together more than 20 staff.
The deal extends the firm’s geographic coverage across rural and property markets in both Scotland and northern England.
Patrick Paton, Managing Partner of Paton & Co, said: “This is a natural progression for us. We have built a strong presence in the Borders and Northumberland and this merger allows us to expand that reach while staying true to the way we work.
“For our clients, this is about access to a broader range of expertise while continuing to deal with the same trusted people. That continuity is critical, particularly for businesses that value long-term advisory relationships.”
The merger will extend the range of services available to Paton & Co’s clients, including rural advisory, lettings, and areas such as natural capital and renewable energy. In the north of Scotland, it will also add estate agency services.
The deal brings together members of the same family, with Patrick Paton and Celia Paton joining Celia’s father, Peter Graham, in the combined business.
Under the new structure, Peter Graham, Patrick Paton and Celia Paton will become partners, alongside existing Peter Graham and Associates partners Teresa Leith and Ed Dunbar, and new partners Tamara Inness and Fiona MacLeod.
The combined firm will continue to operate with a focus on advisory services across its expanded geographic
Peter Graham, owner of Peter Graham Associates, with offices in Elgin and the Black Isle, said: “Over the years there have been approaches from larger firms, but they don’t want me or my team – they want my clients, and that was never something I was prepared to accept.
“I wanted to find a way to transition the business that protected those relationships. My clients deserve better than being absorbed into a corporate model where the focus is on fees rather than the individual.
“This is about bringing together two businesses with the same ethos. We are not taking anything away – we are adding services and strengthening what we already do.
“At its heart, this business has always been built on trust, relationships and giving honest advice, and it was critical to me that continues.”