21st October 2024
Fairstone has expanded its presence in Scotland by acquiring Aberdeen-based Forbes Lawson Wealth Management. This acquisition brings Fairstone’s total funds under management to over £17bn, with a client base now exceeding 125,000 across the group. Scotland remains a strategic focus for Fairstone, which operates in over 20 locations nationwide.
Forbes Lawson first partnered with Fairstone in 2021 through the company’s Downstream Buy Out (DBO) programme. The DBO model provides firms with capital investment, centralised resources, and access to Fairstone’s range of investment portfolios, managed by some of the world’s leading fund managers. The acquisition will strengthen Fairstone's footprint in Aberdeen, a key location in their growth strategy.
Fairstone’s CEO Lee Hartley praised Forbes Lawson’s established reputation and alignment with Fairstone’s client-first approach, emphasising the strategic importance of this acquisition for growth in Scotland. Forbes Lawson's directors, Richard Macmillan and Ian Robinson, highlighted the strong support they received from Fairstone during their partnership. They noted that the resources and expertise available through the DBO programme have been instrumental in their growth.
This acquisition underscores the continuing trend of consolidation in the wealth management sector. Firms like Fairstone are forming strategic partnerships to enhance their regional presence and broaden their client offerings. By integrating Forbes Lawson Wealth Management, Fairstone is solidifying its position in Scotland and highlighting the effectiveness of innovative acquisition models, such as its DBO program, which provides firms with capital, resources, and scalable investment solutions.
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