Mid-tier accountancy firm Wilkins Kennedy is to merge with Southampton-based Matthews Mist & Co.

All staff from Matthews Mist will be joining the Wilkins Kennedy Romsey office, including partners John Mist and Christopher Matthews, who will be joining as consultants.

Ian Talbot, managing partner of Wilkins Kennedy's Winchester and Romsey offices, said: 'We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues and their clients and look forward to working together.'

Top 20 firm Wilkins Kennedy was established in 1882 and has a turnover of £30m. There are 60 partners and over 400 staff in 12 offices across the South of England.

John Mist, partner at Matthews Mist & Co, said: 'The combined firm has a wide range of specialists, and the firm will be well placed to provide the breadth and depth of expertise to meet our client's needs in an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment, while retaining the all important personal service.'

The merger takes effect from 18 May 2013.