Scotland’s largest private debt collection and enforcement agency, Scott & Co has been acquired by the Marston Group for a unreported sum believed to be in the millions.
The buy out shows a statement of intent by Marston as it is their first venture into the debt collection market north of the border.
Scott & Co and AA Hutton have around 275 staff in total between them, and that includes 46 sheriff officers and messengers-at-arms, in 13 offices located across the region.
Scott & Co has contracts with Scottish local authorities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. They specialise in executing warrants and orders from the courts of Scotland and civil courts around the world.
The acquired companies will retain their trading names and operate as standalone businesses within the Marston group.
Mr McLaughlin, part of the Senior Management at Scotts said: “Becoming part of Marston Holdings was a natural decision for us. We are well matched in terms of ethical standards, reputation and our leading positions in our respective marketplaces.
“Our commitment to our clients and to the provision of local services remains.
“Our existing management teams and staff will continue to deliver service excellence from our established office network and to play a key part in the future growth of our business. This is an exciting chapter in our development, enabling us to extend our range of services to our clients.”
The purchase of Scott & Co and AA Hutton significant increases the size of Marston, the UK’s largest judicial services group who already employ around 2000 staff and contractors.
Marston has contracts with approximately 265 local governments across Britain, as well as for HM Revenue & Customs, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, Legal Aid Agency, Child Maintenance Group, and the DVLA.