Walker Crips lands wealth manager in £4.2m deal
Walker Crips has today announced its acquisition of Barker Poland Asset Management, a London-based investment and wealth manager, in a deal worth about £4,200,000.
Walker Crips said Barker Poland fits well with its strategy after undergoing major transition since the sale of its fund management division in April 2012. The takeover has received approval from the Financial Conduct Authority.
The focus for Barker Poland has been on expanding its core offering of investment and wealth management services.
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Walker Crips is taking on a team of five advisers led by managing director, Geoff Wright, and the founder of the business, Pat Barker, who continues as chairman of Barker Poland.
Rodney Fitzgerald, chief executive of Walker Crips Group, said: "This is an important step in our continuing quest for growth, taking our AUMA to £3.5 billion from £1.4 billion just 3 years ago as well as increasing the capacity of our London stronghold alongside our ongoing regional expansion.
"Barker Poland's business is a complementary bolt-on to our existing offering which, with the combination of our similar investment styles and culture, will facilitate a seamless enhancement for Barker Poland's clients."
As at 28 February 2015, Walker Crips had £1.8 billion of AUM. Following the acquisition, Walker Crips' AUM will increase by 12.6% to £2billion and AUMA will increase to £3.5 billion.
As at 28 February 2015, Barker Poland's assets under management were £229 million, of which £192 million was discretionary-managed.
Pat Barker, senior member of Barker Poland Asset Management LLP, said: "This is an exciting development for our business and particularly for our clients as we become part of Walker Crips, where our services will expand their existing offering.
"Walker Crips' long-term heritage and financial stability will allow us to continue to do what we do best, namely managing clients' money on a discretionary basis and providing our usual high levels of advice and service to clients."