IT will not be the biggest merger the Scottish business world will see this year, but the commercial logic behind Mosaic’s acquisition of Burnet Bell is no less convincing than the factors behind the headline-grabbing deals we have witnessed in 2017.
Mosaic, a comparatively young architecture practice having formed in 2003, has brought some auspicious clients on board in joining forces with Burnet Bell, not to mention heritage. Its fellow Glasgow firm, after all, is responsible for designing a series of landmark city buildings. That pedigree was highlighted as a big attraction by Mosaic partner Stephen Mallon, who spoke of having “grown up around” prestigious buildings such as the Battlefield Rest.
But the deal is not just about looking back. As well as bringing more clients to Mosaic, it has brought more architects and perhaps expertise in areas it did not have be before, which can presumably give it more clout when pitching for work.
The merger was not a one-way street, either. In securing the deal, Burnet Bell managing partner Ian Macrae has solved the succession issue which can challenge many small businesses. That Mr Macrae, who will remain an active player in the enlarged practice for the foreseeable future, has secured the futures of the Burnet Bell staff will doubtless have lifted a big weight from his mind.
While talk of synergies – often a convenient shorthand for redundancies – is typical of corporate mergers, it is heartening to observe a deal where the ultimate outcome looks to have satisfied everyone concerned.
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