A UK north-west financial planning firm is transitioning to management ownership following a deal with its longstanding owner.
Ron Walker, founder of Clarion Wealth Planning, has sold 60% of his shareholding in the Alderley Edge-based practice to his company management team, led by John Winstanley, 39 years after establishing the firm.
Walker, who founded Clarion Wealth Planning in 1985, was a founding member of the Institute of Financial Planning – (now part of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)) and a pioneer of fee-based financial planning in the UK.
Now, the management team will acquire a majority stake in Clarion, while Walker will remain for at least five more years. Chairman Keith Thompson will also “remain for the foreseeable future”.
Pictured above left to right: Adam Wareing, John Winstanley, Ron Walker, Alistair Cartwright, Matt Sherratt).
Since its inception, Clarion has been family-owned, with Walker and other members of the Walker family owning shares.
However, the management team has bought 60% of the shares as the firm enters a transition period. Importantly, this move ensures the business will remain independently managed and will not be absorbed by a consolidator.
The purchasing management team consists of three directors: John Winstanley, Adam Wareing, and Matt Sherratt. A fourth director, Alistair Cartwright, is set to join the board soon.
Walker said: “My goal was to build a financial planning firm that was commercially successful but compassionate and holistic, and I believe that with the help of my fantastic team, that goal has been achieved. Many of our clients have worked with us across multiple decades and multiple generations, and we’re honoured to have been trusted by so many for so long.”
He added: “Going forward, Clarion will remain in the hands of those who have played an integral role in growing and nurturing the business into what it is today. So, clients can trust that our commitment to excellence and care will continue and that their relationship with Clarion and their Financial Planner will endure.”
As the firm looks to the future, the change is part of a carefully considered strategy to ensure the continued success and stability of the business and the service it offers to all clients.
John Winstanley said: “Our commitment to delivering the highest level of service remains unchanged, and Ron will continue to work with Clarion over the next five years to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
“Beyond that period, our ethos, values, and commitment to the ‘Clarion Way’ will remain unwavering.”
Founded in 1985, Clarion Wealth Planning was initially based in Knutsford before moving to its current location in Alderley Edge.
The firm comprises a dedicated team of experts who are committed to holistic, lifelong financial planning, taking into account and respecting every aspect of their clients’ lives.
