BKL expands music‑industry advisory arm with Dales Evans purchase
The acquisition marks BKL's fifth deal since private‑equity backing, aiming to deepen its reach in London’s music, media and entertainment market.
BKL, a mid‑tier accountancy and advisory firm based in London, announced the purchase of specialist music accountancy boutique Dales Evans. The deal, disclosed on Monday, adds a roster of multi‑platinum artists, touring musicians and independent labels to BKL’s client base.
Deal details
The acquisition is the fifth since BKL secured investment from private‑equity house CBPE in 2023 and follows a merger with music‑focused boutique Alan Heywood earlier this year. BKL says the move will broaden its technical depth while preserving the close, personal service Dales Evans is known for.
Having strong, genuine relationships is what makes everything work in the music, media and entertainment sector, and Dales Evans brings these in abundance. Dales Evans’ clients will continue to receive the same close, personal service they know, now backed by the breadth of resource and technical depth that BKL offers,” said Tim Gazzard, music, media, sport and entertainment partner at BKL.
Strategic rationale
According to chief executive Lee Brook, Dales Evans brings an “exceptional reputation and deep experience” that strengthens BKL’s capability to deliver trusted advice across the music, media and entertainment spectrum. The firm has been courting talent from the Big Four, and the added team is expected to boost its appeal to top‑tier clients seeking both technical know‑how and industry relationships.
Industry observers note that such moves are part of a broader trend of firms positioning themselves for growth amid a resilient UK entertainment market, even as broader economic forecasts remain mixed. For example, the country's overall growth outlook has been discussed in recent analysis of the UK economy.
Looking ahead
BKL plans to integrate Dales Evans’ staff and client list over the coming months, leveraging its larger resource pool to offer expanded international tour accounting and label services. The firm’s track record of recruiting former Big Four partners suggests it will continue to pursue further acquisitions to cement its position as a leading advisory hub for the creative sector.
Clients can expect continuity of service alongside access to a wider suite of advisory tools, while competitors may feel pressure to bolster their own niche capabilities.
