£245m
Assets under management
103
Client
households
2
New advisers joining CMS Wealth
Overview
In October 2025, Kingsbridge Wealth Management was acquired by Oxfordshire-based CMS Wealth, advised by Chapters Capital. The acquisition brought approximately £245m in assets under management, 103 households, and two new advisers into CMS Wealth.
Here Julian Palmer, Kingsbridge Wealth’s Founder and Managing Director, and the management team at CMS Wealth talk about how the transaction came together, from defining non-negotiables and overcoming early challenges, to aligning on a shared vision for client continuity and long-term integration.
A struggle to find the right fit
Before engaging Chapters Capital, Kingsbridge Wealth’s founder, Julian Palmer, and fellow director, Wayne Collard, had difficulty finding a buyer that aligned with their priorities. “For us it was all about doing the right thing for our clients rather than getting the biggest multiple," Julian explained.
“Our clients had been good enough to support us when we set the business up, so we wanted to see them right and make sure they were in safe hands."
A number of potential acquirers failed to meet these expectations - particularly around two key areas:
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Pressure to increase client fees post-transaction
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Pressure to move clients away from existing discretionary fund managers (DFMs)
“Those were the two red lines where 98% of the firms we spoke to fell down.”
The objectives
Kingsbridge Wealth's criteria for a successful transaction included:
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A firm where both Julian and Wayne could continue advising their clients
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A smaller, culturally aligned, preferably local business with a ‘family and friends’ feel
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A shared or compatible central investment proposition (CIP)
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Minimal disruption for clients, including the option to retain existing DFMs
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Flexibility around future changes to fees and investment structures
How was Chapters Capital different?
Having worked previously with another intermediary who took a “scattergun approach” to finding a buyer, Julian and Wayne were looking for a more tailored approach to introductions.
“We came away from every meeting and said, ‘Why is it that we've had so many conversations with them and they're just not getting it?’
“Whereas with Chapters it was less is more. They really understood the brief that we'd given them, and it just seemed to work. There were a lot fewer meetings. It might have only been two or three that we'd had through Simon and Nancy, but they just fit the profile for us.”
Meeting CMS Wealth
Chapters Capital introduced Kingsbridge Wealth to CMS Wealth, and alignment was evident from the outset.
Both firms shared a strong cultural fit and a consistent approach to client servicing, particularly when working with high-net-worth individuals with complex needs.
CMS Wealth, as a large regional business, has extensive experience supporting clients with significant AUM and bespoke requirements. Crucially, they recognise that minimal disruption is key to maximising client retention during a transaction.
“It was just easy. So easy. We came away and said ‘Well, what’s the catch?’ I thought it was just too good to be true. In that very first meeting, there was good chemistry; they’ve since stuck to their ethos and to the fit and, yeah, it was just good.”
- Julian Palmer, Founder, Kingsbridge Wealth Management
“The big thing for us is that the service Kingsbridge Wealth delivers aligns to the service we provide. We don’t want to change anything for the client. It’s the adviser and the name above the door that’s changing, not the quality of service they’ve been receiving.”
- Ryan Carter, Director, CMS Wealth
The Chapters Capital approach
Led by Simon Bourke, Managing Director at Chapters Capital, and Nancy Marino, Associate Director, Chapters Capital delivered a hands-on, end-to-end advisory process.
Understanding the brief
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Established clear objectives and non-negotiable criteria from the outset
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Conducted detailed financial analysis to identify value drivers
Positioning and process management
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Leveraged buyer network to identify a targeted shortlist of acquirers whose proposition, culture, and ownership structure aligned with the sellers' criteria
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Positioned the firm clearly and credibly to highlight strengths and client proposition
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Coordinated and chaired introductory meetings
Negotiation, due diligence, and completion
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Managed negotiations on price and key commercial terms
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Worked alongside third-party professionals to drive the due diligence process forward
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Supported Julian and Wayne through to completion
The outcome
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A strong financial outcome for the shareholders
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Julian and Wayne retained as advisers
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High levels of client continuity and minimal disruption
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A smooth and efficient transaction process
Reflecting on the deal, Ryan Carter said the transaction exceeded expectations: “The process has been the smoothest I’ve experienced. It was like an express train. We first met with Julian and Wayne in early Summer, and we completed on the 1st of October. It was outstandingly smooth.”
Tammy Bloxham, Chief Executive Officer at CMS Wealth, added that the process was helped by how well-prepared Kingsbridge Wealth were from the outset: “We gave them a whole list of due diligence that we needed from them, and they were really well organised, so everything came over and we just had to read through it.”
For owners thinking about a sale, it is a clear example of how being well prepared can help keep a process moving.
Testimonials
"Nancy's been invaluable through the whole process. She kept everything on track and ensured the process moved forward smoothly."
Dave Marler, Managing Founder at CMS Wealth
"Simon and Nancy at Chapters Capital showed that they really understood what we were looking for when selling our business. They took an informed approach to finding potential acquirers who would meet our brief, and as a result, they saved us a lot of time with 'quality', rather than 'quantity' of meetings.
When we found the right partner, Nancy helped immensely in guiding us through the process to a successful conclusion. Many thanks to them."
Julian Palmer, Founder, Kingsbridge Wealth Management
Considering your next chapter?
At Chapters Capital, we specialise in financial planning and wealth management M&A. Whether you are considering a sale, merger, or want to learn more about buyers in the space, contact us today for a confidential, no obligation consultation.
