Fairstone has added more than £2bn in client assets under management after acquiring eight firms during the first quarter of 2026.  The acquisitions span England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Together, they continue Fairstone’s long-running consolidation strategy and strengthen its national wealth management platform.

The group’s largest acquisition to date was the purchase of West Midlands-based Prosperity Wealth in February.

Fairstone acquisition strategy continues at pace

Steven Cooper, CEO of Fairstone, said the business had expanded significantly during the first quarter of the year.  He said: “In just the first quarter of the year, we have added substantially to the business, not only in terms of the bare figures of client assets under management, but also in terms of our strategic presence and the depth and breadth of the services which we can offer our clients.”

Cooper added that the acquisition of Prosperity Wealth strengthened Fairstone’s expertise in corporate financial planning and employee benefits.  Importantly, he said these capabilities would benefit both existing clients and those joining the business through acquisition.

Fairstone’s DBO model drives long-term integration

All eight firms entered the group through Fairstone’s downstream buyout (DBO) model.  Under the DBO structure, Fairstone provides minority equity investment, operational support, compliance infrastructure, and regulatory assistance before completing a full acquisition later in the process.

The firms acquired during the first quarter originally signed DBO agreements between two and four years ago. This phased approach allows firms to integrate systems, processes, and culture before full completion.

Steve McNicol, chief development officer at Fairstone, said the model reduces disruption for clients while helping firms grow before sale.

He said: “The DBO process is also far less disruptive for clients and enables principals to benefit from advantages in technology, compliance and regulatory support and product choice, helping them to further grow their business before the final sale.”

Further acquisitions already scheduled

Fairstone expects acquisition activity to continue throughout 2026.  McNicol said the group already has 13 further acquisitions scheduled before year end. These firms have completed partnership periods ranging from one to five years.  At the same time, additional firms continue to join the DBO programme.

So far in 2026, eight more firms across the UK and Ireland have entered the programme, adding more than £1bn in client assets under management.  McNicol said Fairstone continues to target ambitious, client-focused firms in strategic regions across the UK and Ireland.

Consolidation models continue to evolve

Fairstone’s DBO structure highlights how acquisition models in the financial planning sector continue to evolve.  Increasingly, consolidators are using phased integration strategies rather than immediate acquisitions. This can improve operational alignment, reduce disruption, and strengthen long-term retention.

At the same time, firms continue to seek support with compliance, technology, succession planning, and growth infrastructure.

What this means for business owners

For business owners considering succession, the rise of partnership-led acquisition models creates more flexibility around timing and transition.

Rather than moving directly to a full sale, some firms may prefer staged integration models that allow gradual succession and operational support before completion.

At Gunner & Co., we continue to see strong buyer demand across the financial planning sector, particularly for firms with recurring revenue, strong client relationships, and scalable operating models.

Understanding the structure of different buyers and partnership models is becoming increasingly important.  Book a free consultation with Gunner & Co. if you’re considering your long-term options to discuss your business, succession options, and future plans.