Financial adviser expands with takeover of Liverpool firm
Bolton financial advisers, Markland Hill Wealth, is expanding through the acquisition of Liverpool independent financial advisor, Smith Law & Shepherds IFA, for an undisclosed sum.
The two firms will trade under the Markland Hill Wealth brand.
The takeover will create a new executive team which will comprise Dan Clough and Tom Smith from SLS and Barrie Dawson from Markland Hill Wealth, who will be joined by his brother David.
Following the takeover, the combined business will have assets of more than £250m under management, from bases in Liverpool, Bolton, Lancaster and Watford.
The team numbers 22 IFAs, mortgage and protection advisers and trainees, as well as a support team based in Liverpool.
Tom Smith, from SLS, said: “Coming together with a Manchester area firm expands our coverage in the North West and we have so much in common with Markland Hill Wealth which makes this an excellent fit.”
The company is backed by David Atherton, who will be chairman of the board. He said: “This is an exciting time for Markland Hill Wealth, its clients and staff alike. In these uncertain times, the need for independent regulated financial advice has never been more important.
“Natural economies of scale will release further funds and we intend to use these for further growth and ever improving client attention.”
Markland Hill Wealth is also a regional partner of Regionally, and co-founder Justin Urquhart-Stewart said: “Professional financial planning and advice is probably the most valuable service that we all should benefit from.
“Markland Hill Wealth is one of the country’s leading providers of such services in the UK and provides a great example for others to learn from.”
He added: “Their further growth is a testament for the strength and capability of this valuable and dynamic business. The quality of their business is proven by their success in providing such a valuable example of innovative services for the benefit of their clients, their industry and their local economy.
“A great track record with a brightly lit path for the future.”
