Pivotal Growth has bought mortgage and protection broker Charleston for an undisclosed sum. The transaction has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

Established in 2009 , Charleston Financial Services is a mortgage and protection broker based in Milton Keynes. The firm is led by its founder and managing director James Hardwick, specialises in the commercial, bridging, buy-to-let and specialist property sectors including houses in multiple occupation (HMO). 

Pivotal Growth is a joint venture between LSL Property Services, the parent company of mortgage network Primis, and private equity firm Pollen Street Capital. 

Simon Embley, chief executive of Pivotal Growth, said: “I am pleased to announce our latest acquisition in Charleston. Charleston has successfully tapped into specialist markets and grown to be an industry-leading specialist broker.  

“I am looking forward to working with James to accelerate the growth journey of Charleston. James is a highly experienced leader whom we are delighted to welcome into the Pivotal Group.” 

Hardwick added: “We are excited to join the Pivotal Growth journey and look forward to achieving accelerated growth in this new partnership. We are delighted by the opportunity to join Simon and his team to grow the Charleston business and add value to the Pivotal Group.” 

The acquisition is part of Pivotal Growth’s expansion plans into specialist markets and to scale the Pivotal Group. Earlier this month, Pivotal Group acquired mortgage and protection broker firm Morrison Ward Associates (MWA) and John Charcol Group. It also purchased two Northern Irish firms Select Mortgages and Financial Solutions and Select Brokers. 

If you are looking to sell your business, find out more about the selling process and how Gunner & Co. can help you. Book a meeting with our Head of Brokerage Gwill here