EQ Accountants Expands Central Belt Presence with Merger of McDonald Gordon & Co

EQ Accountants has announced that, as of 1st May 2025, McDonald Gordon & Co has officially joined the firm. This marks EQ’s third merger in the past 12 months and is a significant step forward in its ambitious strategy to triple turnover from £11 million to £30 million over the next four years.

This strategic merger strengthens EQ’s presence in the Central Belt, a key area of focus as the firm continues to grow its footprint across Scotland and enhance the range of services provided to clients.

With the addition of the McDonald Gordon & Co team:

• EQ’s Edinburgh office expands, deepening its reach in the capital and surrounding areas.
• The team grows to approximately 262 professionals across its offices.
• The firm further enhances its ability to deliver an even wider range of sector-specific and specialist services to the SME sector.

This merger is about more than growth; it is about bringing together two firms that share the same core values, commitment to client service, and ambition for the future. By combining resources, knowledge, and expertise, EQ is better positioned to meet the evolving needs of Scottish businesses.

Founded in the 1980s by Ian McDonald and the late Alan Gordon – a notable figure in Scottish football, having played for Hibernian FC and Heart of Midlothian – McDonald Gordon & Co has built an impressive legacy. Under the leadership of Raymond Paterson and Brian Duffy since 1994, the firm has earned a strong reputation for supporting the growth of family-owned and entrepreneurial businesses, guiding many from start-up to multi-million-pound enterprises.

Their 15-strong team will be based within EQ’s Edinburgh operations, perfectly complementing the firm’s mission to be Scotland’s leading adviser to the SME sector.

Craig Nicol, EQ’s Chief Executive, commented:

“Bringing McDonald Gordon & Co into EQ is a considered and strategic move that reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Scotland’s SME sector. Their long-standing reputation, loyal client base and shared values make them an ideal fit. This partnership enhances our reach across Central Scotland and ensures more business owners have access to the depth of expertise and resources EQ can offer.”

Raymond Paterson, Director at McDonald Gordon & Co, added:

“We took our time in choosing the right partner for the next chapter of our business. EQ stood out as a major player in the SME space, with values that align strongly with our own. Joining EQ gives us access to greater resources, specialist knowledge, and the backing of a larger team, all of which will benefit our clients immensely.”

Brian Duffy, Director at McDonald Gordon & Co, shared:

“This move isn’t just about scale; it’s about shared vision. EQ has the infrastructure and investment behind it to help us do even more for our clients, while preserving the close, personal service we’ve always delivered. We’re excited about what’s next.”

EQ Accountants has expressed excitement in welcoming new colleagues from McDonald Gordon & Co and looks forward to the opportunities this merger creates for clients, the team, and the wider business community. Together, the firms are building a stronger, more dynamic organisation, better equipped to support ambitious businesses across Scotland.”