Russell Investments is to acquire On-line Partnership Group - the holding company of IFA networks IN Partnership and Whitechurch - as part of a drive into the adviser market.  
The deal, for an undisclosed sum, will enable OLPG's network of over 600 advisers to draw on Russell's expertise in investment management and benefit from its resources for training, technology and compliance support, says Russell.
Russell, which is based in Seattle and has offices worldwide, provides advice, investment solutions and implementation services to thousands of corporate retirement plans, professional investors and financial advisers worldwide.
Russell plans to expand the services provided by OLPG's members to bolster its existing investment research, technology and administration capabilities, as well as increasing training opportunities to help advisers better serve clients in thr s a new, post-RDR era for financial advice.
Greg Stark, managing director of retail and partnerships for the UK at Russell Investments, said: "We have accumulated a deep expertise in providing independent investment advice and multi-asset investing over the course of four decades. When we were looking to expand our existing relationships with UK advisers, On-line Partnership Group stood out because of the strength of its business model, the quality of the member base, and its robust compliance culture."
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Kevin McDonagh, group chief executive of the On-line Partnership Group, said: "This acquisition is excellent for our members. Russell Investments shares our principal goal, which is to help advisers run sound and successful businesses for the benefit of investors. They have the heritage, resources and experience to invest in our business and enable us to grow. This will allow us to better support our members as they seek to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of their clients."
Under the terms of the acquisition, the OLPG's senior team will remain in place. Russell will acquire the entire share capital of OLPG. The transaction is subject to completion of the transaction documentation and the exercise of compulsory acquisition rights relating to the minority shareholders shares of OLPG. The FCA has approved the change, says the company.
Russell Investments is a global asset manager and offers actively managed multi-asset portfolios and services that include advice, investments and implementation. 
It has more has more than £152bn in assets under management and works with over 2,500 institutional clients, independent distribution partners and individual investors globally.