Shackleton Adds £300m AUM with Latest Financial Advice Acquisition
- Chapters Capital
- Feb 10
- 2 min read
10th February 2025
Shackleton has announced its purchase of Norfolk-based Harrold Financial Planning Ltd (HFP). This acquisition expanded Shackleton’s presence in the East of England and increased its total AUM to £300m.
Since rebranding from Skerritts in December 2024, Shackleton has been actively pursuing growth, supported by Sovereign Capital Partners. In 2021, Sovereign invested £55m into Skerritts to accelerate its Buy & Build strategy, leading to 16 acquisitions and establishing a national presence.
This latest acquisition follows Shackleton’s rapid expansion over the past year, including the purchase of Ellis Bates and recent deals in December with Save & Invest Group in Scotland, Fleming Financial in the Southwest, Robson Lister in the Midlands, and Shorts Financial Services in Chesterfield. Together, these firms bring an additional £1.5bn in assets under AUM and enhance Shackleton's presence in key regions.
The group is committed to integrating these firms under a unified model, ensuring that clients receive consistent and transparent financial advice while benefiting from the company's growing scale. Paul Feeney, CEO of Shackleton, stated, “This acquisition aligns with our goal of becoming Britain’s leading financial adviser. Expanding into the East of England enhances our ability to serve clients nationwide.”
HFP’s Managing Directors, Neil Warne and Robyn Lovatt, highlighted the importance of partnering with a firm that shares their values: “Joining Shackleton allows us to continue providing high-quality services while benefiting from the resources of a larger group.”
With private equity-backed consolidators like Shackleton driving mergers and acquisitions in the financial advice sector, there is a noticeable shift toward achieving scale, operational efficiency, and streamlined services. Firms seeking growth or exit strategies must navigate an environment where integration, client retention, and cultural fit are crucial for successful deals.
At Chapters Capital, we specialise in financial planning and wealth management M&A and understand the importance of strategic acquisitions for growth. Whether you are considering a sale, merger, or expansion, contact one of our professional associates today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.