West Lancashire-based Financial planner and IFA firm Acumen Financial Partnership is expanding further north into the county with the acquisition of a company based in Pilling, Wyre.

Acumen, founded in 2006 with its head office in Burscough, has completed the takeover of Wyre Investment and Financial Management, taking on two staff, 400 active clients and funds under management of around £40m.

The firm hailed the acquisition as an “important step” in its expansion plans and said it puts the firm in a stronger position to continue to grow.

Angela Maher, founder of Acumen, said: “In the last two years, Acumen has achieved record growth of over 60%.

“This acquisition is another important step forward as it sees us significantly increase our client base, open our first branch office and gain a foothold in North Lancashire.

“This process has taken many months of deliberations, but I can say it puts Acumen in a much stronger position as we look to continue to grow and develop our firm.”

Jon Landy, director at Acumen, added: “We’ve also gained two new employees with huge industry knowledge and experience.

“Senior adviser Liz Warren and support executive Jayne Clarke will continue to head up the Pilling office so clients of Wyre Investments will still be able to rely on the same great service and advice under Acumen.”

Liz Warren, founder of Wyre Investments, said: “We’re thrilled both to become part of the Acumen family and to begin working in partnership with Angela and Jon.

“Like us, they have a proven track-record in delivering clear, friendly, quality advice and we’re excited to be taking this positive step forward together.”

Legal work surrounding the deal was completed by Forbes Solicitors in Central Lancashire.

The acquisition sees Acumen expand into a team of 17 including eight qualified advisers, specialising in individually-focused investments, retirement and wealth transfer plans.