Buckles accelerates retiring IFA acquisition drive

Wales' largest IFA says the deal, for an undisclosed cash sum, will strengthen its presence in the north west and increase its total number of active clients to more than 25,000. Malcolm Fish, principal at Highgrove, is retiring. "This acquisition marks the continuation of our strategy of buying the businesses of retiring IFAs," Buckles chief executive Nigel Speirs says. "We will look at compatible and locally-based firms whose principals are seeking retirement or are thinking of leaving the industry." Buckles, which sold 60% of its business to South African finance group Sanlam in Ap...