Adviser Mark Cooper: My experience of selling to a consolidator

'The stress and hassle of running a business has been taken off my hands'

clock • 5 min read

Mark Cooper is a 'newly minted Finli financial planner', having sold his business to the consolidator. Here he shares his insight on the sale process and why he has found a new spring in his step as an employee...

I am 59 years old and in the process of selling my 70-client financial planning business to a consolidator. This is what I've learnt so far.  If this were Instagram, I would be starting this with POV: you came to financial planning late in life but now it's your passion.  When poor eyesight put paid to my dreams of becoming a Fleet Air Arm pilot I was dejected and lost all interest in school. The motivation to do well in my exams had always been about ultimately training to be a pilot. When that wasn't an option, I dropped out before I sat them.  So, in 1983 aged 17, I became a tee...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your Business

All the advice firm acquisitions that have taken place in 2026

All the advice firm acquisitions that have taken place in 2026

Keeping track of the ongoing consolidation in the advice industry

Professional Adviser
clock 20 August 2026 • 4 min read
Beyond the proposition: Does due diligence go far enough?

Beyond the proposition: Does due diligence go far enough?

'Financial strength due diligence should not be viewed as a one-off exercise completed during selection'

Dale Johnston
clock 17 August 2026 • 4 min read
Editor's view: Still counting on targeted support

Editor's view: Still counting on targeted support

The editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 7 August

Jen Frost
clock 07 August 2026 • 2 min read