Perspective ‘relishing’ growth potential following takeovers

A financial planning and wealth management firm says it is “relishing the opportunity to grow further at scale and pace” after completing a quartet of takeovers.

Perspective Financial Group Ltd has bought Tees Valley Asset Management, P Bennett & Associates, Oak Financial Management and Marlborough Place.

The deals add £240 million of assets under management and 880 clients to Perspective’s portfolio, and have bolstered its geographical presence too, with Belfast-based Marlborough providing a first Northern Irish base.

And bosses say its momentum will continue through the rest of the year, with seven further acquisitions in the final throes of completion.

Ian Wilkinson [pictured, above], Perspective chief executive, said: “We are delighted that these four firms chose to become part of us.

“We have our biggest ever pipeline of acquisitions, both large and small, and relish the opportunity to grow further at scale and pace.”

He added the latest completed agreements take Perspective’s office portfolio to 27, with 63 acquisitions having now been carried out since the group’s foundation 16 years ago.

Explaining the decision to join Perspective, Gary Blakemore, Tees Valley Asset Management managing director, said: “Following the sudden, sad passing of my close friend and business partner David Snowden last year, it was imperative I obtained help and support from a larger national firm.

“Several firms were interested in acquiring my business.

“However, Perspective stood out; they share the same client-focused ethos and values as I have.

“They are the perfect fit, and I am very much looking forward to working with them.”

Meanwhile, Ian revealed Perspective is complementing its takeover push with growth across its talent academy, which now includes more than 40 people.

Providing a pathway for the next generation of administrators, paraplanners and financial planners, Ian said it is “building capacity to support future growth”.

He added: “Perspective has been built around a culture of putting our clients at the centre of our decision-making process to ensure we always deliver good outcomes.”