A business advisory firm has achieved its New Year resolution to grow through acquisition with its first purchase.

Unity has acquired Failsworth-based Quadro Chartered Accountants in what it calls phase one of its acquisitions strategy.

Unity, which employs more than 100 staff, has grown significantly through organic growth and investment in new revenue streams, such as the launch of Unity Debt Solutions, which was created to take advantage of increasing indebtedness in the UK and has grown into a business turning over £4 million in just 18 months.

The firm announced it intended to achieve further growth through acquisitions at the beginning of the year.

The acquisition of Quadro, which was formed at the end of 2004, is the first step in the plan and sees the practice's team of three, which was headed by Paul Manchester, join Unity's Clive Street offices.

Mr Manchester said: "Unity is a good partner for us as its core values are closely matched to ours.

"Joining forces with Unity's team will enable our existing clients to access a wider range of services, while still benefiting from the levels of service they are familiar with."

Peter Donnelly, Unity's managing partner, said: "We have expanded steadily over the past three years and are now in a position to further develop our offering through key acquisitions.

"Quadro is a quality practice with a solid SME client base that will benefit from being part of a larger firm.

"Adding critical mass will mean we can continue to grow the business, while still providing a partner-led service and the highest-quality advice.

"We are an entrepreneurial business and are looking at further opportunities to grow our offering in the North-west. We are in an exciting position and the future is looking very positive."