Absolute Financial Group has continued its expansion strategy after completing four acquisitions in the South East of England, adding £134m in assets under advice (AUA) and strengthening its position as an active consolidator within the financial planning market.

The Tatton-backed group completed four transactions, with three involving the acquisition of client books from advisers preparing to retire. A fourth business owner has chosen to continue advising clients following the acquisition, highlighting the different transition options available to financial planning business owners.

Supporting adviser retirement and succession planning

The three firms where owners are retiring include T&L Financial Services, the trading name of JM Financial Planning, based in Eastbourne, Paul Tune Financial Services in Battle, and Clear Sense Financial Planning in Chichester.

Following the acquisitions, clients from these businesses will transition to Absolute and will continue to be supported by existing planners across the South East.

For many financial planning business owners approaching retirement, finding the right successor for their clients is a key consideration. A successful transition requires more than agreeing a deal. It also requires confidence that clients will continue to receive the level of service and advice they have built their relationships around.

A flexible approach to business owners

The fourth acquisition involved Horton Independent Financial Planning, based in Canterbury. Unlike the retiring advisers, the owner will continue working with Absolute following the acquisition.

Absolute highlighted that its model provides business owners with different options depending on their personal and professional objectives. These include retiring following a sale, continuing to advise clients within a larger organisation, or joining its Partnership Programme.

Under the Partnership Programme, Absolute provides an initial investment and agrees a future pathway to acquire the remaining share capital. This approach is designed to allow owners to transition over time while continuing to build their businesses.

Growing demand for succession solutions

The latest acquisitions bring Absolute Financial Group’s total AUA to more than £2.4bn. They also take the number of completed acquisitions since December 2025 to 14.

The firm said the transactions demonstrate its ability to support both retiring advisers and those looking to continue their careers within a larger group structure.

For business owners considering their own future plans, the increasing number of acquisition models available provides more choice. However, understanding which option best fits their objectives, clients and long-term ambitions remains an important part of succession planning.

A buyer’s approach may present an opportunity, but it is essential that owners fully understand the wider market, the available alternatives and what different buyers can offer before making decisions.

What this means for financial planning business owners

The continued activity from consolidators highlights the strong demand for quality financial planning businesses and the increasing focus on succession solutions across the sector.

For owners considering an exit, timing, preparation and identifying the right buyer are critical factors in achieving a successful outcome. The right transition should consider not only financial value, but also client continuity, cultural alignment and the future direction of the business.

If you’re considering succession planning or would like to understand how buyers may view your business, click here to book a free confidential consultation and discuss your options.