Verso Wealth Acquires WH Ireland’s Henley Team as PE-Backed Growth Continues
- Chapters Capital
- Feb 10
- 2 min read
10th February 2025
Verso Wealth has acquired the Henley financial planning division of WH Ireland in a deal valued at up to £0.5m. This acquisition is part of Verso's growth strategy, as the firm aims to expand its national presence. The Henley team, which manages £152m of WH Ireland’s total £1.1bn in assets under management, will transition to Verso under an agreement that includes cash payments linked to client revenue transfer. The deal is scheduled to continue through June 2025.
This acquisition is consistent with Verso's strategy, backed by private equity. The firm was established in 2021 following Cairngorm Capital’s acquisition of Whitefoord and Munnypot. With a £28.5m debt facility, Verso is well-positioned to take advantage of acquisition opportunities, a trend observed in the wealth management industry as firms seek greater scale and efficiency.
For WH Ireland, the sale forms part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at cost reduction and a renewed focus on profitability. In 2024, the firm sold its capital markets division for £5m and has significantly reduced its workforce, incurring £0.3m in redundancy costs in the six months leading up to September 2024. While these strategies have decreased pre-tax losses from £3.9m in 2023 to £1.3m in 2024, WH Ireland continues to face challenges due to a decline in revenue—from £10.7m to £8.5m over six months.
This transaction follows a series of private equity-driven acquisitions in the financial services sector, mirroring recent moves by Pivotal Growth in the protection market and Söderberg & Partners' ongoing investments in the UK. As the wealth management sector experiences significant consolidation, strategic buyers and private equity firms strategically position themselves to acquire, streamline, and scale operations.
This deal highlights the significance of structured agreements, phased payments tied to client transitions, and the influential role of private equity in creating acquisition opportunities for wealth management firms considering buying, selling, or restructuring.
At Chapters Capital, we specialise in financial planning and wealth management M&A. Whether you are considering a sale, merger, or expansion, our tailored approach ensures you receive trusted support at every step. Contact one of our professional associates today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.