Thu, 26 Jun 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
Wealth management firm Fairstone has added the 100th firm to its Downstream Buyout (DBO) model with a deal for Yorkshire-based Richardson Premier Wealth Limited.
Under the DBO model, Fairstone partners with the firm joining it, rather than purchasing them outright. Upon firms joining the programme, Fairstone invests an initial capital sum and provides partners with access to investment, resources and new clients over the course of a pre-agreed partnership period. At the end of this period, the firm is fully acquired by Fairstone.
The DBO model has helped the Sunderland-based company grow to the point where it now oversees £20 billion in assets under management (AUM), supporting more than 60,000 clients. The company is aiming to double its AUM to £40 billion by the end of 2030.
Fairstone Chief Executive Lee Hartley said that Richardson Premier Wealth was "a high quality, trusted independent financial adviser which really looks after its clients and is firmly focused on sustainable growth, making it a perfect partner for us.”
He continued: "Reaching our 100th DBO is a proud moment, not just for Fairstone, but for every partner firm that has trusted in our model. However, this is very much a staging post, and nowhere near a final destination.”
"We're determined to grow our business far beyond this point as we pursue our vision of being the most trusted wealth management firm in the UK and Ireland."
“We are in active discussions with a number of other potential DBO partners as we strategically select companies to expand our footprint and work towards our next milestone of £40 billion in client assets.”
Richardson Premier Wealth, which is based in Halifax, West Yorkshire with an additional location in Glasgow, advises more than 200 clients and has slightly over £50 million in AUM.
Commenting on the deal, Principal Paul Richardson said that, from the company’s first discussions with Fairstone, "it was clear that their focus on putting the client first and creating long-term, sustainable growth was a perfect fit for us.”
He added: "By helping us with regulation, compliance, resources and technology support and innovation, Fairstone will enable us to spend more time focusing on clients and pursuing our growth plans for the business.”
Find out more about Fairstone's Downstream Buy-Out model.
This is an exciting opportunity to acquire a highly-regarded independent financial advisory business in Hertfordshire, managing a substantial £115 million in funds under management.
Opportunity to acquire a well-established advisory firm in London with a robust portfolio of £260 million funds under management, offering potential for growth and expansion.
An established Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) firm in the North-West with £100 million Funds Under Management presents a unique acquisition opportunity.
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