Pivotal Growth acquires Charleston Financial Services

Pivotal Growth has confirmed the acquisition of mortgage broker Charleston Financial Services.

The deal, for an undisclosed amount, has been granted regulatory approval by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and marks Pivotal Growth’s fifth acquisition of 2024.

Pivotal Growth was launched as a joint venture by Pollen Street Capital and LSL in 2021 as part of a wider move to consolidate distribution businesses. Its latest acquisition for Charleston is the thirteenth completed under Pollen Street’s ownership.

Charleston, a mortgage and protection broker based in Milton Keynes, specialises in the commercial, bridging, buy-to-let and HMO sectors. It was established in 2009 and has demonstrated a track record of growth in specialist markets, led by founder and managing director, James Hardwick.

He said: “We are excited to join the Pivotal Growth journey and look forward to achieving accelerated growth in this new partnership. We are delighted by the opportunity to join Simon and his team to grow the Charleston business and add value to the Pivotal Group.”

Group chief executive at Pivotal Growth, Simon Embley, added: “I am pleased to announce our latest acquisition in Charleston. Charleston has successfully tapped into specialist markets and grown to be an industry-leading specialist broker. I am looking forward to working with James to accelerate the growth journey of Charleston. James is a highly experienced leader whom we are delighted to welcome into the Pivotal Group.”



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