UK wealth manager Liberate Wealth launches today with the acquisition of Yorkshire-based Ebor Financial Planning for an undisclosed sum.
Bringing approximately £200m (€229.4m,$243.2m) in assets under management (AuM) on behalf of 500 households, as well as a team of 14 to create a regional hub in the north of England.
Led by founder and chief executive Mark Howlett, Liberate Wealth will offer a suite of financial planning and investment management services using a ‘buy and build’ strategy in the early stages.
Howlett has spent 35 years in the industry and has occupied senior roles in financial planning, most recently the role of joint chief executive at EQ Investors.
The firm says it is proactively seeking to engage with advice and financial planning firms who share the company’s entrepreneurial and sustainable values.
To read more on this topic, visit: Investment manager Alquity buys fund platform
Howlett, said: “ Liberate Wealth’s launch is the result of much hard work and planning behind the scenes, so we are thrilled to introduce ourselves to the market with our inaugural acquisition.
“Ebor is an excellent quality business with a dedicated and professional team, and I am delighted they have chosen Liberate Wealth for this important next step in the evolution of their business.
“The north of England is an important region for us strategically and offers a great opportunity to continue to grow the business organically. We have taken the time to build a proposition that we know appeals to the advisers we want to work with – providing greater access to fund research, wider investment options for clients, improved transparency, technology and reporting functions, all underpinned by ethical values which prioritise clients, colleagues and the environment.”
David Dixon founder of Ebor Financial Planning, added: “ Liberate Wealth’s culture and innovative infrastructure was a real draw for us, knowing that our team would be fully supported to let go of administrative burdens, refocusing their energy on developing their skills further and providing excellent client care.
“It has been hugely rewarding to witness my team advance in their own careers and I am pleased to know their progression will continue under the stewardship of a business with the strategic vision and resources to guide us onwards. I look forward to our next stage of growth whilst keeping the down-to-earth client focused service at the forefront of everything we do.”
