Shackleton Acquires £900m Chetwood Group as PE-Backed Growth Accelerates
- Chapters Capital
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
3rd July 2025
Shackleton has aggressively pursued a consolidation strategy with its recent acquisition of The Chetwood Group. This deal adds over £900m in assets under management and brings 45 additional employees to the national advice firm. As a result, Shackleton's total assets under advice and management now exceed £8 billion, and its workforce has grown to approximately 450.
This acquisition marks Shackleton’s 19th since rebranding from Skerritts in 2021 and is the first major transaction following the firm's recent transition to a private equity firm. Last month, US-based Lee Equity Partners acquired a majority stake in Shackleton, succeeding Sovereign Capital Partners, which had supported the company’s growth since 2021.
For advice firm owners, consolidators, and investors, this deal highlights several key themes: the enduring effectiveness of well-executed buy-and-build models, the increasing interest of US private equity firms in UK advisory businesses, and the significance of scale in the current market.
The Chetwood Group's diverse structure, including its wealth management, investment management, and private client divisions, provides Shackleton with both regional strength and functional variety. Mark Pendarves, executive chairman of The Chetwood Group, emphasised the necessity for substantial investment in technology and infrastructure to facilitate the next phase of growth. He noted that the decision to join Shackleton was based on a shared commitment to values and a standard of excellence.
Shackleton's CEO, Paul Feeney, reiterated the firm's vision of creating a national platform that is built around respected local practices. "We bring together the most professional financial advice firms under one approach and one set of values," he stated. "Chetwood and its affiliated firms will enhance our presence in the South West."
As the market for advice firm acquisitions remains highly competitive, this deal stresses the importance of long-term strategic alignment between buyers and sellers, as well as the value of having a supportive investment partner. With the backing of Lee Equity Partners, Shackleton is well-positioned to remain a significant player in the UK's consolidating wealth management landscape.
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 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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