Söderberg & Partners has made investments into four more IFA firms based in the UK.

The Swedish wealth manager confirmed that the four companies are Nottingham-based George Square, Cheltenham IFA, London-based Bluezone Capital, and Alexander Bates Campbell (ABC) which is based in the South East of England but serves clients throughout the UK.

Söderberg’s CEO, Gustaf Rentzhog, described the UK advice market as a “top strategic priority” and said that the group had identified “numerous attractive businesses” in its search for new investment opportunities.

“Our minority stakes in George Square, Cheltenham IFA, Bluezone Capital and ABC will support the development of these businesses which have a strong track record in positive client outcomes and customer service,” Rentzhog commented. “We look forward to partnering with them to help take these firms into their next phase of growth.”

Managing director of George Square, George Goward, said that with the UK market facing increasing challenges, the partnership is designed to strengthen the firm’s capabilities, while director at Cheltenham IFA, Mark Stanley, said that partnering with Söderberg would allow the company to “accelerate growth through further business acquisitions”.

Richard Alexander of ABC added: “For some years, we have been receiving regular approaches from consolidators within the industry, wanting to purchase our business, but in the majority of cases, they are more interested in the revenues from assets under management than providing the dedicated client relationship services.

“The initiative from Söderberg, which enables us to keep our own identity and style of business we believe, will enable us to satisfy our concerns over continuity for clients and staff in a financial environment, where the winds of change are blowing like a hurricane.”

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