An accountancy firm whose Bradford roots go back more than a century has announced a merger, which will create the eighth largest practice in the UK.

Baker Tilly has joined forces with Leeds-based HLB Kidsons to form a new firm, which will bring in annual fees of £150 million. The business's 15 UK practices will link with HLB Kidson's North of England network to trade under the Baker Tilly brand from April 1.

The new company will also lead Baker Tilly International, the 11th largest accountancy association in the world, with a $1.2 billion (US) turnover.

Baker Tilly's 100-year-old Bradford office already employs 75 staff and nine partners, and the union will create one of the region's leading practices, with 100 staff and 14 partners spread across Bradford and Leeds.

Paul Byrne, managing partner of Baker Tilly in Bradford, said: "We see this as a very positive merger which will create more opportunities for staff and partners. We are not looking at making any redundancies.

"This will enhance our provision of market-leading services to entrepreneurial owner-managed businesses and smaller quoted companies.

"We now have the resources, expanded skill base and geographical spread to fulfil our corporate vision of becoming the business adviser of choice for ambitious, growing firms. We expect clients, partners and staff to reap significant benefits."

The firm provides a wide range of professional services, including audit, business recovery, corporate finance and tax advice.

Donald Darroch, managing partner of HLB Kidsons in Leeds, said: "We are committed to building our business in the Yorkshire area and combining our expertise with that of Baker Tilly to create an even stronger regional practice."