Söderberg Acquires Minority Stakes in Three Established UK Firms
- Chapters Capital
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
16th January 2025
Söderberg & Partners, a Nordic private equity-backed wealth management firm, continues expanding in the UK by investing in three advisory firms: Radcliffe & Co, Francis Clark Financial Planning (FCFP), and Qi Financial Solutions Ltd. This investment is part of Söderberg's strategy of partnering with established firms while allowing them to maintain their unique identities and independence.
Overview of the Acquired Firms
Radcliffe & Co: Based in Southampton, Radcliffe & Co manages £1.5bn in assets, serving 3,500 individual clients and 150 corporate employer schemes. The firm's Managing Director, Neil Igglesden, emphasised that Söderberg's approach aligns with their commitment to continuity and client focus.
Francis Clark Financial Planning: Operating from nine offices across the South and South West of England, FCFP oversees £900m in client assets. With 65 chartered financial planners, the firm provides advice to individuals, corporate clients, and trusts.
Qi Financial Solutions Ltd: Located in Croydon, Qi manages over £165m in client assets and employs seven staff members, including three chartered financial planners, offering tailored financial advice.
A Strategic Minority Stake Model
Söderberg & Partners is investing in these firms through minority stakes, which allows them to maintain operational independence. Neil Igglesden from Radcliffe & Co highlighted this as a crucial factor in their decision-making: “Söderberg & Partners offers a refreshing approach that allows us to maintain our unique identity and business model. We believe this will help address our concerns about ensuring continuity for clients and staff.”
Since entering the UK market early last year, Söderberg has invested in over twenty advisory firms. Its UK adviser platform, launched in partnership with technology provider Seccl, reinforces its commitment to building long-term support and infrastructure for its partner firms.
Industry Implications
This recent series of investments reflects an ongoing trend in the UK financial advice market, where private equity-backed consolidators seek to acquire mid-sized, well-established firms with solid client bases. Söderberg’s minority stake model presents a distinct alternative to full acquisition, allowing firms to preserve their brand identity while benefiting from additional resources and support.
For the broader industry, this approach may create opportunities for smaller firms to compete by leveraging external capital without sacrificing autonomy. However, as private equity plays an increasingly prominent role, it will be crucial to ensure alignment between investors and the long-term goals of the acquired firms.
What This Means for Business Owners
For firm owners considering external investment, Söderberg’s minority stake model underscores the importance of understanding their strategic objectives. Whether seeking growth capital, operational support, or continuity for clients and staff, assessing the cultural fit and shared vision with potential investors is key.
At Chapters Capital, we specialise in financial planning and wealth management M&A, helping firms navigate transitions and explore growth opportunities. Whether you are considering a sale, merger, or expansion, our tailored approach ensures you receive expert guidance at every step. Contact one of our professional associates today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.