Crowe Clark Whitehill has acquired the accountancy, fiduciary and audit businesses of the late Philip (‘Pip’) Thomas.

Mr Thomas was a well-known figure among the Island’s business community and, with a view to his impending retirement, had concluded negotiations with Crowe Clark Whitehill but then sadly became very ill.

Mr Thomas passed away on October 14th this year.

Andy McLarney, who worked with Mr Thomas since 1995, has since joined Crowe Clark Whitehill as business services manager. He said: ‘Pip will be sorely missed. His experience of the industry was extensive and he enjoyed the respect of his colleagues and clients.

‘I am pleased to have joined Crowe Clark Whitehill, a firm with which Pip and I had an excellent working relationship.  I am looking forward to continue serving our former clients, working with a new team and forming links with new clients.’

Crowe Clark Whitehill director John Cowan said: ‘Pip Thomas was a trusted name in accountancy circles, so we were pleased to be approached by him when he was looking to relinquish his business interests ahead of his retirement, as his practice was a good fit with our own.

‘We are also pleased to welcome Andy McLarney to the firm. Andy will help ensure a seamless transition for his and Pip’s clients and be a valuable asset to the team as we develop our business.’

Mr Cowan knew Pip Thomas for more than 35 years as they started their accountancy careers on the same day in 1979 at the Pannell Fitzpatrick induction course at Warwick University. He said: ‘Pip was a good influence on me and a big help. We studied together and out of an intake of about 75 on that course he finished third and I fourth! We will all miss him enormously.’

Photo - Crowe Clark Whitehill’s Andy McLarney, centre, with directors Phaedra Bird and John Cowan. Picture Andrew Barton.