PE-backed Equilibrium makes its first acquisition
- Simon Bourke
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
4th August 2026
Deal summary
Equilibrium has acquired Gresham Wealth Management, a Chartered independent financial planning firm based in Hale, Cheshire. Gresham manages approximately £285m in assets for 379 clients and is the first firm to join Equilibrium since Sovereign Capital Partners invested in the business in 2025.
The acquisition strengthens Equilibrium’s presence in the North West, with Gresham’s Hale office complementing Equilibrium’s headquarters in nearby Wilmslow. It also brings a specialist proposition advising personal injury and Court of Protection clients, supported by established relationships with legal intermediaries.
About Equilibrium
Equilibrium is a Chartered financial planning and investment management firm founded by Colin Lawson in 1995 and headquartered in Wilmslow. Before the Gresham transaction, it looked after around 1,400 clients and approximately £1.5bn in assets under management, with around 100 employees across financial planning, investment management, client service and support.
Sovereign Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in Equilibrium in 2025. Its investment was intended to support further investment in people, technology and client experience, alongside acquisitions that extend Equilibrium’s geographical reach.
About Gresham Wealth Management
Gresham Wealth Management was founded in 2010 by Morven Millar and Jonathan Young, and holds Chartered status as a financial planning firm. The business manages approximately £285m in assets for 379 clients. Alongside its core financial planning offering, Gresham has developed a specialist proposition serving personal injury and Court of Protection clients, working through established relationships with legal intermediaries.
Why is Equilibrium acquiring Gresham Wealth Management?
Equilibrium’s acquisition strategy under Sovereign’s ownership is initially focused on high-quality, values-aligned financial planning firms in the North West, before expanding nationally through selective acquisitions. Gresham fits this profile through its proximity to Equilibrium’s Wilmslow headquarters, loyal client base, specialist personal injury and Court of Protection proposition and stated cultural fit.
What happens next?
Lawson has indicated that Equilibrium is already in conversation with several further firms and expects to announce additional acquisitions later in 2026.
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