Alexander Beard Group, which has its UK headquarters in Cheshire as well as a San Francisco base, has acquired McGowan Associates Limited.

No fee has been disclosed for the deal. ABG said it intends to retain McGowan’s current staff and premises and to continue trading under their name still.

ABG, which was set up nearly 30 years ago, said this was its 14th acquisition.

ABG, which provides a Financial Planning service for individuals, describes itself as an international advisory and employee benefits group.

McGowan is run by David McGowan DipPFS, a director and adviser. He formed the business in 1986 at the time when pension legislation created the modern personal pension.

He said: “Paul and I have been talking for over a year and I am delighted that we are joining such a well-known and long established business which secures the future for both our client relationships and current staff. I look forward to making a significant contribution to the future prosperity of ABG.”

Paul Beard, ABG founder and executive chairman, said: “McGA are a quality firm with a long history servicing the local private and corporate client and I am equally pleased that it’s founder and managing director will remain with the business and become a partner in our wealth management company. We intend to retain their current staff and premises trading under the McGA name.”