Shackleton to Acquire Hurst Point in £17.5bn Deal
- Simon Bourke
- Apr 24
- 3 min read
Updated: May 5
24th April 2026
Deal summary
Shackleton Advisers has entered into an agreement to acquire Hurst Point Group, including both its financial planning and investment management businesses. The transaction is Shackleton's largest to date and will create one of the UK's largest independent financial planning firms, with combined assets under advice and management of approximately £17.5bn.
The group will serve more than 44,000 clients across the country, supported by 233 FCA-authorised financial advisers and investment managers, over 850 employees and 38 offices nationwide. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.
About Shackleton
Shackleton Advisers is a London-headquartered financial planning and wealth management firm, launched in December 2024 following the rebranding of the Skerritts Group. The firm is led by chief executive Paul Feeney and non-executive chair Andrew Fisher, and has continued to grow through acquisition since Sovereign Capital Partners first invested in Skerritts in 2021. In November 2025, US-based Lee Equity Partners became Shackleton's majority shareholder, succeeding Sovereign Capital Partners.
About Hurst Point
Hurst Point Group was established in 2019, with backing from The Carlyle Group, to build an integrated wealth management business in the UK through acquisition. The group operates two divisions: a financial planning arm headquartered in Waterlooville, operating primarily under the Argentis brand, and an investment management division operating primarily under the Hawksmoor brand. Anchored by the acquisition of Harwood Wealth Management in March 2020, Hurst Point has grown to hold more than £10bn in assets under advice and management, with offices across England. Andrew Westenberger was appointed group chief executive in 2025, having joined Hurst Point as chief financial officer of its parent company in January 2024.
What happens next?
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.
Following completion, Andrew Fisher will continue as non-executive chair and Paul Feeney will continue as chief executive officer of the combined business. Andrew Westenberger, currently chief executive officer of Hurst Point, will join Shackleton’s executive committee.
Carlyle is expected to become a minority investor in Shackleton alongside funds managed by Lee Equity Partners.
Shackleton's other recent acquisitions
Group Rapport’s Employee Benefits Division – September 2025
Shackleton acquired the trade and assets of the employee benefits division of Stonewood Financial Planning, trading as Group Rapport. The transaction added three staff and more than 130 corporate clients to Shackleton’s employee benefits division.
Chetwood Group – July 2025
Shackleton acquired Chetwood Group, including Chetwood Wealth Management, Chetwood Investment Management, Chetwood Private Wealth, Ermin Fosse Financial Management and Darnells Wealth Management. The deal added more than £900 million in AUM and 45 staff, taking Shackleton’s total assets under advice and management to just over £8 billion at that point.
IM Asset Management – May 2025
Shackleton acquired IM Asset Management from Irwin Mitchell Group, including TWP Wealth. The transaction added around £1.4bn in funds under management and advice and supported the launch of Shackleton’s Personal Injury and Court of Protection division.
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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