A Newcastle-based chartered financial planning firm, which was established in 2002, is to be acquired by Azets Wealth Management.
Laurus Associates is one of the first firms in the North East to achieve chartered financial planner status, and has a particular interest and expertise in trust planning, auto-enrolment, investment portfolios, pension property purchase and employee benefits advice.
The deal marks the latest growth milestone for Azets Wealth Management, which operates across the UK from hubs in the North East and Scotland.
It follows Azets’ recent acquisition of wealth management and chartered accountancy firm Milne Craig in Glasgow.
Karen Barwick and Colin Dawson, who launched the business, and the team will join Azets Wealth Management following the deal – which is expected to complete by the end of this month.
Barwick, director at Laurus Associates, said: “We are excited to continue our journey as part of Azets Wealth Management, a company that shares our commitment to building long-lasting partnerships with clients, built on trust and quality advice. This new chapter is an opportunity to provide an even broader range of services and specialist expertise.”
Mark Parkinson, chief executive at Azets Wealth Management, added: “We’re pleased to welcome Karen, Colin and the team into Azets Wealth Management. Laurus Associates is a firm I have admired for a number of years, as I’m aware many of their clients are referred to by the professional services community in Newcastle.
“There is a clear cultural alignment between Azets Wealth Management and Laurus Associates, and their achievements over the past 23 years are outstanding. Our team will benefit significantly from their experience and specialised approach, and we hope that clients of Laurus Associates will feel our commitment to continuity and personalised advice.”