Clifton Wealth Partnership Acquires Dukes Independent Financial Advisers, advised by Chapters Capital
- Simon Bourke
- 18 hours ago
- 3 min read
18th May 2026
Chapters Capital is pleased to have advised Adrian Duke-Cohan on the sale of Dukes Independent Financial Advisers to Clifton Wealth Partnership. The transaction brings 170 client households and £43 million in assets under management to the Bristol-based firm.
The transaction
Clifton Wealth Partnership has completed the acquisition of Dukes IFA, an independent financial planning firm based in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire.
Adrian Duke-Cohan will remain involved in the business, focusing on maintaining continuity for clients and supporting the handover to the wider Clifton Wealth Partnership team.
The acquisition is Clifton Wealth Partnership's fourth of 2026, following the purchase of Essex-based Cutting & Carter in April as well as the acquisitions of Cairn Independent and JRW Financial Management in Scotland earlier in the year, which were also advised by Chapters Capital.
About Clifton Wealth Partnership
Clifton Wealth Partnership is part of the Bristol-based Clifton Group, which serves more than 15,000 clients, employs 180 staff, and manages approaching £4 billion in assets under management. In October 2024, UK private equity firm CBPE Capital made a strategic investment in Clifton Wealth Partnership to support an accelerated acquisition programme. The group aims to expand its national footprint by partnering with established advisers whose client-focused approach aligns with its own.
Anthony Carty, Managing Director of Clifton Wealth Partnership, said:
"Adrian has built a highly regarded business with deep, long-standing client relationships. That level of trust reflects years of consistent advice and care. We are pleased to welcome Dukes to Clifton. There is a strong alignment in how we think about client relationships and the role of financial planning over the long term. Our priority is to ensure clients continue to receive the same level of personal service they are used to, while benefiting from the wider support, technology, and infrastructure we have in place across the group."
About Dukes Independent Financial Advisers
Adrian Duke-Cohan began his career in financial services in 1988 and, having left the City to escape its target-driven culture, set up his own fee-based practice in 2004. Dukes Independent Financial Advisers Ltd was incorporated in February 2012 and is based in Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire.
Most of the firm's 170 client households are based within a five-mile radius of the Bushey Heath office, and some of those relationships span more than three decades.
Adrian said: "This has always been a relationship-driven business. I've spent many years building trust with clients and supporting them through different stages of life, so finding the right home for those relationships was essential. I took time to meet a number of potential partners, but Clifton stood out. Everyone I spoke to across the business was approachable, open, and genuinely focused on doing the right thing for clients. That gave me confidence that my clients will continue to be well looked after. It has been a privilege to support clients over the years. This next step is about making sure they remain in a strong position, with the right people around them for the future."
On working with Chapters Capital, Adrian added:
"What struck me about working with Simon and Daniel at Chapters was that they took the time to understand what I was trying to achieve, which was about ensuring the best outcome for my clients. They were selective with the introductions they made and were always on hand to offer support. I would strongly recommend Chapters to any adviser thinking about the future of their business."
What was Chapters Capital's role?
Chapters Capital advised Adrian Duke-Cohan on the transaction, supporting him through valuation and positioning, engagement with potential acquirers, negotiation of commercial terms, and progression through to completion.
Daniel Campanale, Associate Director at Chapters Capital, said:
"It was a pleasure to work with Adrian. He has spent the better part of four decades in financial services, and what came through from the very first conversation was how much he cared about getting the right outcome for his clients, many of whom he has known for thirty years or more. I am excited for him to be able to spend more time at the theatre and the Emirates in the coming years as he transitions into retirement. We are very pleased to have supported him on the transaction."
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, please contact one of our professional associates today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
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