Island based company Equiom now has a foothold in the United States, Cayman and New Zealand after its latest acquisition.

The deal is with Virtus Trust Group, a Guernsey headquartered trust and corporate services provider.

Virtus has a diverse international client base and a presence in the Cayman Islands, New Zealand, UK and the USA, where they have a US public trustee licence in the state of South Dakota.

Founded in 2005, Virtus is said to offer comprehensive private wealth management services such as succession planning, trust and foundation services as well as investment related solutions.

Virtus co-founder, Roddy Balfour said: ’The market has been aware for some time that Virtus has felt the need for a larger strategic partner to expand our client offering in terms of services and geography.

’In that regard, Equiom is the perfect fit and in terms of client service continuity, our entire staff will be amalgamating with Equiom’s Guernsey operations.

’Taking Virtus from a standing start to its present substantial clientele has been very exciting and we look forward to the next chapter with equal anticipation given Equiom’s dynamic history, outlook and plans.’

Equiom’s Global chief executive officer, Sheila Dean said of the union: ’The acquisition of Virtus is a fantastic addition to Equiom.

’In addition to increasing our foothold in Guernsey, we will now be able to deliver structures for our clients in three brand new jurisdictions: Cayman, New Zealand and the US.

’As ever, I’d like to thank our equity partners LDC and our legal advisers Gowling WLG for their valued input and support throughout this acquisition project.’

Twenty five staff members from Virtus will join the Equiom team, operating from the Guernsey office and the company will complete the process of rebranding by June 2017.

These are busy times for professional services provider Equiom which is based in Jubilee Buildings, Victoria Street, Douglas.

Last month the company announced it had acquired an Inverness-based professional services outsourcing firm.

This was followed up by the buying up of Solid Japan, a Tokyo-based corporate services business with an international client base.