Fairstone has acquired Huddersfield-based Brantwood Financial Planning and Nairn-based East2west. The combined deals add around £250m in assets under management.
Brantwood, which specialises in advising high-net-worth individuals, adds £150m AUM and four members of staff to the group.
Brantwood Financial Planning principal Paul Dickinson commented: “After talking to a number of different organisations, we felt that Fairstone were the only company who genuinely understood the reasons that had made us a successful financial planning business and crucially, that they would not seek to impose barriers to the continuation of this success.
“The two-year integration phase has given our clients the added confidence and reassurance that they are now part of a well-known, high quality financial planning company, while still looked after by the team at Brantwood.”
The acquisition of East2west, meanwhile, will bring Fairstone three new advisers, three support staff and £100m AUM to Fairstone across 1,000 clients.
East2west principal Moira Ness commented: “Fairstone’s proposition really appealed as the firm strive for excellence in the advice market and are independent, professional and committed to chartered status.”
Fairstone CEO Lee Hartley said: “East2west and Brantwood Financial Planning are both quality firms with first-class individuals, who share our commitment to exceptional service and vision to flourish.
“Over the past two years we have worked closely with the teams at both firms, supporting their progression and funding their organic growth. This has enabled both firms to maximise value before crystallising a structured sale of their businesses at a premium valuation.”
Fairstone are a buyer that Gunner & Co. have a strong relationship with. If you would like to understand their acquisition strategy, book a meeting with our Senior Broker Josh here.