IFA firms join forces to bolster UK reach

The combined company is open to acquisitions ‘if the right business comes up’

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UK financial planning firm Lewis Brownlee Financial Services has merged with fellow IFA Park Gate Insurance Services (PGIS).

PGIS is based in Hampshire and covers other regions including Dorset, East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Wiltshire and the Isle of Wight.

The combined firm will operate under the Lewis Brownlee brand and will increase the company’s presence along the south coast, which includes offices in Chichester and Midhurst, as well as now Hampshire.

Building a presence

Chris Page, a director at Lewis Brownlee, told International Adviser that this deal is not part of an acquisition growth plan but said “if the right business comes up, we would be open to looking into it”.

“We have ventured north to Midhurst fairly recently and this has been a great success,” he added. “We saw a presence to the west of our Chichester and Midhurst offices as a good next step. We already have clients that way and we think it’s nice for them to have a more local office too.

“We want to make sure this integration is complete and seamless for our clients – that’s the most important part.

“After this, we may look into another location (perhaps another base in Hampshire) within the next two or three years.”

The firm offers investments, pensions, estate planning, life insurance and retirement services. Brownlee now employs 51 and is advertising for more staff.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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