Inflexion, a leading European mid-market private equity firm, is pleased to announce that it is backing the launch of Absolute Financial Group (“Absolute”), a new independent financial advice consolidator with £100m of committed funding. The investment is being made by Inflexion’s Buyout Fund VI.
The new business will also benefit from the support of industry veteran Paul Hogarth, the founder of Perspective Financial Group and Tatton Asset Management who will become Non-Executive Chair of Absolute.
The group’s ambition is to build one of the UK’s leading Independent Financial Planning businesses by bringing together high-quality advisory businesses under a unified, well-resourced structure that supports advisers and delivers excellent client outcomes and long-term value to clients. Absolute Financial Management, a Southeast-based firm with £1.1 billion in Assets Under Advice (“AUA”), is its first acquisition and will serve as the lead brand of the group and the central hub for all future acquisitions.
Absolute has been formed in direct response to the challenges within other consolidation models, including increased vertical integration and loss of independence for the financial advice businesses acquired. Its strategy is focused on bringing together high-quality advisory businesses under a unified, well-resourced structure that supports advisers, delivers excellent client outcomes and creates long-term value for clients.
Inflexion previously invested in wealth management business Succession between 2014 and 2022, making one of the first private equity backed independent wealth management businesses. Under Inflexion’s stewardship, the company pursued an ambitious acquisition programme with 60 businesses acquired, making it one of the UK’s largest independent wealth managers on its sale to FTSE 100 business Aviva plc.
We are excited to back another wealth management firm and see significant potential in the team behind Absolute. This is a sector where the right digital tools – further enhanced when uniting complementary businesses – can create a player of scale that still delivers both the personal touch and independence that clients value.
We’re thrilled to partner with Absolute Financial Group and back an outstanding leadership team at such a pivotal moment. With a clear market differentiation and a bold vision, we have a unique opportunity to create one of UK’s leading financial planning businesses. This investment perfectly aligns with our strategy – backing ambitious financial services businesses with the capital and expertise to scale for the long term.
I have always been passionate about the IFA sector and partnering with Inflexion, alongside a leadership team I trust, presents an exceptional opportunity to build a business that genuinely champions the IFA profession.
We created Absolute to ensure that the ethics, integrity and legacy of an IFA’s business is maintained within a group that shares their values. Whether business owners are seeking succession planning or simply looking to join a larger values-led organisation, we are confident we will be able to meet their requirements through a range of options, underpinned by deep sector expertise and robust financial backing.
The transaction is currently subject to FCA change of control approval.
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