META Corporate Finance has strengthened its team after its merger with business planning consultancy Strategy and Soundingboard (SAS).

The new operation, to be based at Meta's offices in Pembury, will offer clients full-service advice in raising corporate finance, business development, mergers and acquisitions, management buyouts, as well as private placements.

SAS's Alyson Howard joins Meta directors Mark Ledger-Beadell and Peter Counsell on the board. Mike Stubbs, SAS co-founder, takes on a consultancy role.

Mr Counsell said: "We worked with Alyson during her many years at Creaseys and this relationship has continued since she and Mike set up SAS.

"This merger is a natural progression for us all, our skills complement each other perfectly and it will allow Meta to offer an unrivalled service to our ever expanding client list."

Ms Howard added: "Businesses need to become ever more competitive, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. The team at Meta is now perfectly placed to help its clients gain access to corporate finance alongside solid financial and business advice."

The SAS brand will continue to be used in specific strategic planning products used by the firm.