14th March 2025
Amber River has quietly expanded its presence in Northern Ireland by acquiring Belfast-based advisory firm Finance Matters NI through its Northern Irish subsidiary, Johnston Campbell, as reported in recent Companies House filings. For an undisclosed sum, the deal is the latest acquisition by a private equity-backed consolidator, which has completed over 70 deals totalling £14bn in assets.
Finance Matters NI, founded by advisor David Graham, is a boutique advisory firm that maintains a low-profile but respected presence in the local market. While the firm has not publicly disclosed its assets under advice, this acquisition signals Amber River's ongoing interest in regional firms with established client relationships. Although Graham and operations director Joanne Mullen will step down as directors, they are expected to remain actively involved after the acquisition.
Amber River, backed by private equity firm Penta Capital, has systematically built a substantial presence in the UK and Northern Ireland. In December 2024, the company refinanced its debt with a significant £275m injection from Carlyle, which allowed it to strengthen its financial position, settle existing obligations, and prepare for future acquisitions.
While much of the industry consolidation has centred around scale and size, Amber River’s strategy highlights a complementary trend: acquiring niche, smaller-scale firms that offer specialised local knowledge and client loyalty— aspects often overlooked in broader industry discussions. This acquisition further illustrates private equity firms' nuanced strategies in wealth management, balancing a focus on regional clients with ambitions for national growth.
For firms contemplating their strategic future, the Amber River model presents an intriguing case study on how to leverage local advisory strengths within a private equity-backed consolidation strategy. It reminds us that targeted, smaller acquisitions continue to play a vital role in reshaping the financial advisory landscape, beyond the more prominent multi-billion-pound deals often highlighted in the news.
At Chapters Capital, we specialise in financial planning and wealth management M&A and understand the importance of strategic acquisitions for growth. Whether you are considering a sale, merger, or expansion, contact one of our professional associates today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.