Fairstone Group expands with Goodman Chartered Financial Planners deal

A wealth manager has bolstered its national presence with a takeover.

Sunderland-headquartered Fairstone Group has added Goodman Chartered Financial Planners to its stable.

The deal for the Tunbridge Wells-based firm adds more than £160 million of assets under management to Fairstone, as well as 425 clients, a five-strong advisory team and eight paraplanning and client services staff.

It also takes Fairstone’s nationwide office portfolio to 55.

It comes after the Doxford International Business Park operator completed moves for County Durham-based Advanced Financial Services, Hampshire and Wales’ Station Financial IFA, and Kings Lynn’s Allen Tomas & Co.

Founded more than 35 years ago, Goodman was the first firm in Kent to achieve corporate Chartered financial planning status.

Lee Hartley, Fairstone chief executive [pictured, above], said: “Goodman were a great fit; their early commitment to Chartered status and to delivering independent advice was a strong indicator of how closely we were aligned.

“Having shared values is key for the long-term success of working in partnership, and we look forward to helping Goodman director Andy Smith and his team grow as part of Fairstone.”

Andy added: “Joining Fairstone was very attractive, as their commitment to independent financial advice and passion for high-quality service delivery very much matched our own.

“And its scale and expertise means we can continue to focus on growth even after acquisition, which is an exciting prospect for us.”