Absolute Financial Group makes first Partnership Programme acquisition with Hampshire-based IFA
- Simon Bourke
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 8
23rd April 2026
Deal summary
Absolute Financial Group has acquired an initial stake in St George's Financial Services Ltd, a directly authorised financial planning practice based in Fordingbridge, Hampshire. The transaction is the first deal completed under Absolute's Partnership Programme, a phased structure under which the group makes an initial investment and agrees a separate buyout of the remaining share capital at a later date. Financial terms were not disclosed. St George's will continue to operate from its Fordingbridge office under its existing brand, with its advisory team remaining in place.
About Absolute Financial Group
Absolute Financial Group launched in August 2025, backed by Inflexion Private Equity, Tatton Asset Management and its management team, with a combined equity commitment of £115 million. The group is led by chief executive David Carter and chaired by Paul Hogarth, and is building a national independent financial planning business through the acquisition of regional IFA firms. The St George's transaction is its sixth announced deal since completing its founding acquisition in December 2025.
About St George's Financial Services
St George's Financial Services is a Fordingbridge, Hampshire financial planning firm founded in 2010 by Rogan Legge and Chris Brooks. Chris Brooks is now a director and co-owner of the business. The firm provides advice on pensions and retirement planning, investments and protection.
Why is Absolute Financial Group acquiring St George's Financial Services?
Hampshire extends Absolute's geographic footprint into the central south of England, complementing its existing presence across Kent, Devon, Hereford, Surrey and Norfolk. The Partnership Programme is designed for firms whose owners want external support and a defined exit route without relinquishing full control. Absolute takes an initial minority stake, with a timetable for buying the remaining share capital agreed at outset, allowing the founding team to continue building the business while gaining access to centralised resources and operational support. Carter described the structure as one that provides "a long-term partnership with a high-quality, culturally aligned firm, while providing a long-term exit route."
What happens next?
St Georges will trade as normal from its Fordingbridge office under its own brand, with adviser and client continuity as a stated priority. Absolute has indicated it expects to complete further acquisitions in the near term as it continues to scale its national footprint.
Absolute Financial Group's other recent acquisitions
Padstone Financial Management, Campton Financial Services and Iceni Financial Advisers – April 2026
Three firms joining simultaneously from Hereford, Surrey and Norwich respectively, contributing a combined £255 million in assets under advice and taking Absolute's total AUA to £1.55 billion. All offices and staff remained in place on completion. Chapters Capital advised on all 3 transactions.
HR Independent Financial Services – March 2026
South Brent, Devon-based directly authorised practice with 99 client households and £43 million in funds under management. Founding adviser Tim Harvey continued advising clients following completion; Fiona Harvey retired from the business. Tim and Fiona Harvey were advised by Chapters Capital.
Absolute Financial Management – December 2025
Ashford, Kent-based firm and Absolute's founding acquisition, completed following FCA approval. The firm serves approximately 4,500 clients and brought £1.1 billion in assets under advice into the group, providing its operational and brand hub.
Considering your next chapter?
At Chapters Capital, we specialise in financial planning and wealth management M&A.
If you own an IFA, financial planning or wealth management firm, we can help you understand the options available to you, from pre-sale planning and selling your firm to retire, through to sell and stay structures and partnership programmes.
For a confidential conversation about valuation, buyer fit or your route to market, contact our team.
📞 +44 (0)204 519 7811 | ✉️ info@chapterscapital.co.uk
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