London-based SIPP and SSAS consolidator Wilton has signed a deal to acquire SSAS firm Bespoke in the latest move in a rapid acquisition drive. 

Wilton says the deal to buy Bespoke, mainly involved in the Irish self administered pensions market, will expand its reach into the European Union.

Wilton will buy Bespoke Trustees Limited and Bespoke Investments Limited for an undisclosed sum.

In recent times Mayfair-based Wilton has acquired a number of SIPP and SSAS firms including Hartley SAS, Greyfriars Asset Management, Guinness Mahon, Berkeley Burke, Guardian Pensions and The Lifetime SIPP. 

Wilton has also agreed to enter a process to acquire IOMA Group, an insurance company able to write life, general and captive insurance business. 

Wilton is an independent professional services, investments, pensions and insurance firm, employing nearly 200 staff. It plans further expansion in the future.

Bespoke Trustees Limited was established in 2006 to provide self-administered pension products and services to the Irish intermediary market. Bespoke currently employs 17 full-time members of staff, with €300 million (£256m) of assets under administration.

Wilton’s founder and group CEO, Tony Flanagan said: “I am very excited about this new acquisition as Wilton continues to expand its pension and investment profile. We remain dedicated to ensuring that pension investments are administered cleanly and safely as we continue to provide one of the most competitive services in the market. We are committed to good customer outcomes and will particularly focus on fair pricing and customer choice for available investment offerings.”

Bespoke’s managing director John McDonnell, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for Bespoke, which, as part of Wilton, now has the backing required to achieve all our goals in the next crucial phase of our development, providing unrivalled service levels as we grow. We truly believe that this acquisition will significantly improve and expand on our existing pension and investment offering for our current and future customers.”

Denis McHugh, CEO, Pensions, said: “Wilton plans to retain and strengthen Bespoke’s team with the addition of internationally experienced financial services, taxation, insurance and investment professionals. In addition, the acquisition will strengthen Wilton’s presence in Ireland and unlock additional cross border services maximising its growth for years to come.’ 

Wilton has offices in Mayfair, the Isle of Man, Bristol, Ireland, Dubai and Blackburn. The company was established in 1999 by founder and group CEO, Tony Flanagan.