Established in 2009 by Anthony Ringer, ARC specialises in providing accountancy, payroll and consultancy services to the licensed trade industry.

Following the deal, Anthony will join Optionis as Business Development Director of its ClearSky Business division. ARC’s existing client base, which includes pubs operated by Punch Taverns, Star Pubs & Bars, JW Lees and Robinsons Brewery, will be serviced by the team at ClearSky Business.

Robert White, managing director of Optionis’ SME business said:

“We are committed to building our presence in the licensed trade sector by building close working relationships with pub companies and pub landlords, and by delivering a first-class service that meets their needs. The ARC business is a perfect fit based on its longstanding relationships and strong client base, particularly in Cumbria, Lancashire and Scotland. We are delighted to welcome Anthony to the team and believe his previous experience as a pub landlord, area manager and trade consultant fits perfectly with our strategy to provide pub companies and pub landlords with bespoke advice, based on a combination of specific pub market experience and the delivery of high quality financial advice.”

The ARC deal is the sixth acquisition to be completed by Cheshire-headquartered Optionis in the past two years and takes the company’s head count to 350 across several UK sites.

As well as ClearSky Business, the group is home to Parasol and ClearSky Contractor Accounting. Between them, the latter two divisions provide support to tens of thousands of contractors and freelancers every year. Group turnover for 2014/15 was £314m.