Tatton-backed Absolute Financial Group has acquired Manchester-based IFA Platinum Independent Financial Services, adding a further £280m in assets under advice.

The deal takes Absolute’s total AUA to £2.68bn and strengthens its presence in the North West.

Platinum, which is based in Sale, will retain its existing office and all 15 colleagues following the acquisition. The business will also continue to operate under the Platinum brand for a short transition period to support continuity and client integration.

Strengthening a regional hub

Absolute said the acquisition follows longstanding relationships between its management team and Platinum and comes after four acquisitions in the region in May.

Platinum becomes the 15th firm across England to join Absolute since the consolidator was established in December last year.

David Carter, CEO of Absolute Financial Group, said the deal significantly strengthens the group’s North West hub as it continues its national growth strategy.

The acquisition adds further scale while retaining a local presence for Platinum’s clients and team.

Maintaining continuity

For Platinum, joining Absolute provides access to the resources of a national consolidator while allowing its existing team and office to remain in place.

Martin Hood, director of Platinum Independent Financial Services, said the transaction secures the long-term future of the firm while preserving the continuity and independent care valued by its clients.

He also highlighted the back-office and compliance support available through Absolute, allowing the 15-strong team to concentrate on client outcomes.

The approach illustrates one of the considerations that can be important for owners exploring a transaction: what happens to the business after completion.

Looking beyond the headline deal

For an owner considering succession planning, a buyer’s ability to provide operational and compliance infrastructure may be an important part of the decision.

However, the Platinum transaction also demonstrates how continuity can be incorporated into a deal, with the existing office, team and brand retained during the transition.

Understanding how a buyer intends to support the business after completion can therefore be just as relevant as assessing the initial offer.

For owners considering their options, this means looking beyond valuation and understanding the wider proposition available from different buyers. The right structure will depend on the owner’s objectives, the business and what they want its future to look like.

Gunner & Co. works with financial planning and wealth management business owners to identify suitable buyers and manage the transaction process, helping owners assess their options and plan for a successful succession.

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.