Question 1

What is the role of Chapters Capital during a transaction?

Accepted Answer

Our role is to help you find and navigate the most efficient and straightforward way through the process of selling all or some of your firm.

Question 2

How does Chapters Capital ensure the best outcome for sellers?

Accepted Answer

Our team has extensive knowledge and experience in the financial advice and financial planning market. We invest time in deeply understanding you, your business, and your goals. We will then create and manage a plan bespoke to you and your criteria that gets you from the initial conversation with us to completion of a deal.  Learn more about our process.

Question 3

Who does Chapters Capital work with?

Accepted Answer

We work exclusively with the owners of 
Independent financial advisers (IFAs)
Financial planning firms
Wealth management firms
Asset management firms

We work with businesses of all shapes and sizes. Our previous clients range from solo-adviser practices up to regional and national firms. Learn more about our past transactions.

Question 4

How are Chapters Capital's fees structured?

Accepted Answer

The buyer pays our fees upon the successful completion of a deal. We are not an agent of any buyer and as such we are completely independent.

We don’t charge retainers or onboarding fees; we only receive a percentage of the sale price from the buyer if a transaction is successful. This ensures our incentives are aligned with yours, and we can assist you in securing the best commercial deal. We will always be upfront and honest from the outset, as we have no incentive to take on projects we aren’t confident in completing.

However, if a seller wants to pay our fee we can also agree terms on a sell-side mandate, and we wouldn’t charge the buyer in that instance.

Question 5

How much is my IFA/financial planning business worth?

Accepted Answer

Multiples of profit, recurring income, or a percentage of AUM are commonly used in valuation. 
However, it is important to note that valuation is subjective, and it depends on how your business looks today, how you want it to look once you’ve sold it, and ultimately, who you are selling it to. 
To understand what your firm might be worth in the current market, get in touch with us to discuss your specific circumstances.

Question 6

How long does it take to sell a financial planning or wealth management business?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward IFA business sale usually takes 6-9 months from your initial conversations with us through to completion. However, deals can take longer depending on various factors, including the complexity of the transaction, due diligence requirements, and the responsiveness of all parties involved during the process.

We will give you a realistic time frame for your specific situation once we understand the shape of your business and your objectives. Book a free consultation to understand what a transaction might look like for you.

Alternatively, read our guide on how long it takes to sell an IFA to learn more.

Question 7

When I sell my business, do I need to retire straight away?

Accepted Answer

No – you don’t have to retire the moment you sell. What happens after a sale depends entirely on you, and what you want will influence the buyers we choose to engage.

When we first speak, we’ll discuss what you want your own role and timeline to look like, and we will only ever engage with buyers that can facilitate what you want. Book a meeting with one of our directors to discuss your specific circumstances.

Question 8

I’m 1-3 years away from selling - when should I speak to Chapters Capital?

Accepted Answer

If you can see a sale on the horizon in the next 1-3 years, it’s worth speaking to us now.

Opening the dialogue and planning ahead of time when you want to enter the market is a good investment, and we can help ensure you are on the right path for your goals.

We provide clear guidance through regular meetings, ensuring you know what data to track and prepare. This will help you understand what buyers will focus on, and what can influence and improve valuation or deal terms.

When you come to market, or if your plans change unexpectedly, you’ll be informed and prepared.

Question 9

How does Chapters Capital decide which buyers to introduce me to?

Accepted Answer

We start with a proper understanding of you and your business. This gives us the information we need to present you a curated selection of options.

Your clients have put their faith and trust in you to look after their financial affairs, and you should only ever meet firms that will offer your clients a positive continuation of the service you have provided.

This is unlike many other business sales. It is a sale but you are actually advising your clients on this move, and as such, we must take the upmost care when setting up meetings for you.

Question 10

What support will I receive from Chapters Capital?

Accepted Answer

If you work with us, you can expect a lot of support. You will have:
A dedicated member of our team running the transaction with you
Chairing and attending all meetings between you and any buyers
Regular calls and updates so you’re never unsure of where things stand
In person or remote support depending on what suits you and your timetable
Introductions to specific professionals, such as corporate lawyers, where needed
The opportunity to speak directly to some of the 80+ sellers we’ve worked with, so you can hear first-hand what it’s like to go through the process with us

Read our client testimonials to learn more.

Question 11

What questions should I ask potential buyers when selling my financial planning firm?

Accepted Answer

In our experience each seller has their own key questions that will be relevant to them. It is normally the first time someone is selling a business, so we will prepare and agree an agenda before meetings that will cover the essentials and then ensure that any specific points relevant to you are covered and answered.

Question 12

How is my information kept confidential during an M&A transaction?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality and discretion are crucial in M&A transactions, and at Chapters Capital, we take it very seriously for both sellers and buyers. We use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect sensitive information and limit its dissemination to only those directly involved in the transaction. We implement secure communication channels and data rooms to share documents safely.

Frequently asked questions