Standard Life Aberdeen’s Financial Planning arm 1825 has completed its largest deal to date with the completion of the takeover of Grant Thornton’s substantial Financial Planning business.

1825 says the takeover increases its assets under advice by 40% and will help spur its plans to create a national Financial Planning business.

The move, announced in July and completed this month for an undisclosed sum, sees more than 100 new employees, including 34 Financial Planners, join 1825.

1825 says it also provides a stronger UK-wide presence including additional client support centres in Belfast and Sheffield.

The enlarged Financial Planning business now has offices in Ayr, Belfast, Bristol, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newton Aycliffe, Reading and Sheffield.

Julie Scott, chief executive of 1825, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the wealth advisory business to the team and we’re looking forward to continuing to support wealth advisory clients as part of 1825.

“Demand for Financial Planning and advice continues and we want to make it easier for people to access high quality advice when they need it most.”