Oak Group, a fiduciary, corporate, and fund administration business, has officially transitioned to private ownership under Opera, a new holding company backed by Pula, the family office of Stephen Lansdown, co-founder of Hargreaves Lansdown, along with like-minded shareholders such as Sealyham, the family office of Tom Scott.
In a statement today (11 March), it said the change marked the beginning of a new era for Oak Group as the first business within Opera’s portfolio. Guided by Project Overture, Opera’s ambitious five-year strategic plan, this transition sets the stage for thoughtful growth, it said.
Opera, which stands for O for Oak, P for Pula, and E-R-A for a new era in financial services, reflects the company’s vision of transformation and excellence. With a focus on people, process, technology, and data, and a commitment to embracing innovation to meet the needs of an evolving global market, Opera aims to become a world-class portfolio of businesses renowned for exceptional client service and employee experience, the statement said.
Kim Sgarlata (above right), group chief executive officer, said: “Stephen Lansdown’s investment is not just financial—it’s a testament to his belief in Opera’s potential to redefine our industry. With the launch of Opera and Project Overture, we are committed to transforming where and how we do business, leveraging innovation, talent, and a forward-thinking culture to deliver unparalleled value to our clients and stakeholders.”
Stephen Lansdown (above left) added: “The launch of Opera and its acquisition of Oak Group is about building a portfolio of businesses that exemplify excellence in fiduciary, corporate, and fund administration services. With this new ownership structure, we are laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth. I am excited to work closely with Kim and the team as we expand the Opera portfolio and strengthen our position as a leader in the industry.”
At the heart of this transformation is Project Overture, Opera’s five-year strategic plan focused on three key areas: platform optimisation, organic growth, and inorganic growth. By 2029, Opera will have a significantly larger portfolio of businesses, expanded its geographic reach, and accelerated revenue and value growth, all while maintaining a client-first ethos.
Aligned with the company’s transformative vision, the group has introduced Opera Options, a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) that gives employees a stake in the business’s growth. By ensuring that success is shared across its talented team, Opera is reinforcing its position as an employer of choice in every market it operates.
