Liverpool independent financial advisor Smith Law & Shepherds is being acquired by Markland Hill Wealth in a deal that will see £250m of assets under management. Tony McDonough reports
North West financial advisor firm Markland Hill Wealth is acquiring Liverpool-based outfit Smith Law & Shepherds (SLS) in a deal that will see total assets under management of more than £250m.
The combined business will trade under the Markland Hill Wealth brand. A new executive team of Dan Clough and Tom Smith from SLS and Barrie Dawson from Markland Hill, who will be joined by his brother David, will run the business.
It will have bases in Liverpool, Bolton, Lancaster and Watford with a team of 22 independent financial advisors, mortgage and protection Advisers and trainees plus 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 enlarged business company has laid out plans for further growth. Chairman David Atherton added: “This is an exciting time for Markland Hill Wealth, it’s 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, also 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.
“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.”