IFA and investment manager One Four Nine Group has acquired its second advice firm north of the border, Financial Planner Russell Gibson Financial Limited.

The latest deal, for an undisclosed sum, is One Four Nine’s fifth acquisition since launching in October 2021.

Its first foray into Scotland was the all-female advice company APC Financial Solutions, based in Glasgow, which it acquired last month.

Russell Gibson advisers are all Certified or Chartered Financial Planners and its acquisition will increase One Four Nine’s AUM to over £800m for 2,500 clients. It will also boost staff numbers to nearly 70.

Russell Gibson was established in 2007 by founders Alan Ball and Tom Hyslop who have been involved in financial advice for many years. The firm has more than a dozen staff.

One Four Nine Group is focused on tax-efficient investments, including EIS, and a growing financial advice arm.  

Gabrielle Beaumont, One Four Nine managing director, said: “Tax efficient investing is a specialist area for One Four Nine Group and we were delighted to collaborate with Russell Gibson to explore how we could strengthen this aspect of their client offering during the acquisition process. 

“Scotland is a key area of expansion for us, having spent considerable time since launch seeking high quality businesses in the region whose values and commitment to excellent customer service match our own. I am delighted to welcome the Russell Gibson team to the One Four Nine family and look forward to helping them focus on what they do best – putting their clients first.”

Alan Ball, founder, Russell Gibson, said: “Since inception we’ve built a firm that places clients at the heart of everything we do. One Four Nine Group embodied all the qualities we value – strong leadership, specialist expertise in tax efficient alternative investments, a collegiate culture, and impressive infrastructure for future development. 

“Myself and the very talented team at Russell Gibson are very excited to begin this new chapter and flourish as part of the One Four Nine team.”

One Four Nine is funded by private equity firm Copper Street Capital.