TWO of the south's leading independent accountants are set to merge in a move which will create a new force in the region.

Langdowns DFK, which employs 50 people at offices in Eastleigh and Andover, will join forces with Chandler's Ford firm CW Fellowes to create an enlarged practice specialising in all areas of accountancy and tax. The merged firm - called Langdowns Fellowes DFK - will have the combined clout of 100 staff and 3,500 clients to make it a big player locally.

All staff will be working under one roof at Langdowns DFK's head office at Fleming Court, Leigh Road, Eastleigh.

Clients include law firms, hauliers, PR agencies and coach companies, as well as wealthy individuals keen to protect financial assets.

Bob Law, chief executive of Langdowns DFK, said: "This is an extremely exciting move for both parties.

"Both firms have very strong values and priorities in terms of client care and our specialist areas complement each other perfectly."

Bill Cuthbert, who heads up CW Fellowes, said: "The newly enlarged company would offer existing and new clients strength in terms of specialist knowledge and services but will continue to offer the personal contact which has become so important at both firms.

"We have admired each other's operations for some time and now is the perfect time to merge.

"The synergy between the staff is important but the differences between our services means we will both have additional resources to take the company forward."

Financial details of the merger, which takes place in May, have not been released.