The deal sees the acquisitive wealth management group push further north with the opening of an office in Hardman Square in Manchester.
According to the group, Gilland has worked in the Manchester area since 1992. In 1996, he moved to Albert E Sharp, which was taken over by Gerrard, which was in turn taken out by Barclays in 2004. Mellett, joined the Gerrard team from within Barclays in 2006.
Rod Gentry, European Wealth’s CEO, said the move represented the group’s first foray into the North West of the country, after initially expanding its reach from the South East to the West and South West.
The group was admitted to AIM in May and for the first six months of 2014, reported growth in funds under management from £660m to £820m. Tuesday’s announcement follows the acquisition of IFA business Compass Financial Benefits and the appointment of Jeff Hodgetts from Barclays both in June and its appointment last year of Martin O’Grady from Barclays Private Bank.
“With European Wealth’s strong investment performance, delivering above average returns for clients, and an emphasis on delivering a personalised service through local, trusted professionals, we believe that the Manchester office will quickly become a significant element of the Group,” Gentry said.
Speaking to Portfolio Adviser in June European Wealth chairman, John Morton, said that the group continues to look at a range of acquisition targets in a bid to broaden its offering, but says the culture of the business is very important.
