The Fairstone Prosperity Wealth acquisition is the firm’s largest deal to date. It brings £1.5 billion of client assets into the group. The transaction highlights the growing use of structured exit models in financial planning.

The deal

Fairstone has acquired Prosperity Wealth, a financial planning firm based in the West Midlands. The business was founded in 2010 and is led by Matt Bell.

It employs 80 staff, including 49 advisers. The firm supports more than 5,000 clients across the UK. Most clients are based in the West Midlands.

Prosperity Wealth focuses on wealth management, cash flow planning, corporate advice, and employee benefits. It manages around £1.5 billion in client assets.

The firm first partnered with Fairstone in July 2023. This was through a downstream buy-out programme. The model allows firms to integrate before a full sale.

The acquisition has now completed. Prosperity Wealth is fully part of the Fairstone group. Its Brierley Hill office will act as a regional hub.

Market activity

The Fairstone Prosperity Wealth acquisition reflects a wider trend. Structured deals are becoming more common in financial planning.

Downstream buy-outs allow owners to reduce risk over time. They also provide access to support before a full exit.

Fairstone has used this model to grow steadily. It focuses on long-term partnerships rather than immediate acquisitions.

The UK market remains active. Buyers include consolidators, private equity-backed firms, and independent acquirers. Demand for quality firms remains strong.

Implications for owners

This deal shows that exits can be flexible. A full sale is no longer the only route.

Structured options allow owners to transition over time. They can continue running the business while preparing for exit.

Access to scale and infrastructure can support growth during this period.

Alignment is now a key factor in deals. Buyers and sellers must share goals on growth and client service.

Owners have more choice than before. The right structure depends on both personal and commercial priorities.