CountPlus member firm to acquire and merge
CountPlus member firm Unite Advisory has finalised terms to acquire and merge with Bentley Brett and Vincent (BBV), an accounting and financial advisory firm based in Coffs Harbour.
The acquisition of BBV was structured as an initial cash payment of $1.445 million, with further deferred payments linked to incentive criteria in 12 and 24 months with a total maximum purchase consideration of $1.7 million.
As part of the merger, Veronica Bruce, BBV director, would join Victoria Studley and Hilary Acheson as a principal and shareholder at Unite.
Bruce would also become a financial adviser within Count Financial’s national advice community.
Studley, Unite managing director, said the merger would be a good cultural fit for the business and bolstered the services available to clients in their community.
“BBV is a quality practice that has always focused on developing lasting partnerships with their clients,” Studley said.
“We are excited to bring our businesses together and continue our ‘grow with certainty’ philosophy.”
Matthew Rowe, CountPlus managing director and chief executive, said the merger was an example of the opportunities that come from the ‘owner, driver – partner’ model.
“The acquisition and merger of Unite and BBV is another example of how we identify and invest in quality people and businesses,” Rowe said.
“The existing clients of Unite and BBV will have access to a larger team with substantial experience in accounting and financial advice services.
“Both businesses understand the unique challenges faced by people in the Mid North Coast and will come together to continue meeting those needs.”
Recommended for you
TAL has introduced four new courses to its Risk Academy focused on ethical dilemmas as part of Ethics Month to help advisers meet their CPD requirements.
Unadvised Australians believe they need $2 million to retire comfortably, according to Colonial First State, a wide variance compared to advised individuals which estimate $1.3 million.
Financial advisers can now access Vanguard’s diversified managed account strategies on HUB24 and Netwealth, marking a “significant expansion” through new distribution channels.
The heads of two financial advice licensees have joined the board of the Financial Services Council as it looks to deepen its engagement with the space and strengthen its representation.