ACCOUNTANCY and professional advisory group Vantis has acquired Gregory Mitford and Snowball.

Vantis, which floated on the Alternative Investment Market last month, is expected to pay £375,000 for the Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, accountancy firm and business advisors.

GMS was established in Darlington in 1935.

Commenting on the acquisition, Paul Jackson, chief executive of London firm Vantis said: "This acquisition gives us a presence in a vibrant growing and affluent area of the North-East and should provide a solid foundation for the future in the development of our business in this region.

"The acquisition is earnings-enhancing for the company. Additionally, the GMS clients can draw on the full range of specialist skills available within the Vantis Group, including taxation services, accountancy, management consultancy, business recovery, outsourcing, asset finance and independent financial advice."