Search specialists FWB and Park Brown International combine strengths ….

Two of Scotland’s most established executive search firms, FWB and Park Brown International, have combined their resources to strengthen capabilities and position themselves for further growth by forming FWB Park Brown.

The Edinburgh headquartered search company FWB, which was established by Willie Finlayson, Judy Wagner and Scott Black, has a 20-year track record of working with high-profile clients across a wide range of industries and sectors throughout the UK.

Since it was formed 25 years ago, Park Brown International has developed a comprehensive global network in the fast-growing oil and gas sector.  The Aberdeen-based search and leadership consultancy has a sister company in Australia and recently opened a new office in Houston. 

For the foreseeable future the two companies will continue to trade under the two separate brands of FWB and Park Brown.

FWB Director Scott Black said the merger will enable FWB Park Brown to break new ground. 

“We have enjoyed a close association with Park Brown over many years and although a big step, this merger feels very natural.  This is about two high-quality, well-established businesses with a common ethos combining to pool their resources to drive growth and expand their reach.  We both have reputations built on the quality and longevity of our client relations, so by working together we expect to be able to offer our clients an enhanced service offering while also extending our client base.”

Park Brown International’s managing director, Stuart Cochrane, added that the ambitions and perceptions of both companies are extremely compatible.

“We are well-known for our independent capabilities when it comes to delivery and expertise at senior level, as well as for being hugely committed to our clients.  The merger will enable us to widen our talent pool and grow the businesses.”

FWB Park Brown will be chaired by Bill McCall. Bill is the Principal of McCall & Partners and also chairs a number of other companies.  He has considerable private equity and international experience and has worked with FWB in an advisory capacity for many years.

Bill McCall commented: “I know the key players very well, and negotiations to bring these two successful companies together have been reassuringly straightforward and that has reinforced the compelling logic of taking this step.  It’s a bold move which I expect to be rewarding for both the team and their clients”.