Suttons IFA Acquires KSP Financial, Pushing AUM Past £330m
- Simon Bourke
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
2nd March 2026
Deal summary
Suttons Independent Financial Advisors, a Sale-based chartered financial planning firm, has acquired KSP Financial. KSP Financial brings £10m in assets under management, adding a Cheshire-based client book to Suttons' existing Greater Manchester footprint. Combined with the firm's prior acquisition of Bolton-based Whitewell Financial Planning and ongoing organic growth, Suttons' total AUM now exceeds £330m.
About Suttons Independent Financial Advisors
Suttons was founded in 2006 by Harvey Sutton and is headquartered in Sale, Greater Manchester. The firm holds Chartered Financial Planner status and advises professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs on wealth management, tax, pensions, retirement planning, mortgages, protection and savings. Ben Preston serves as managing director. The firm actively pursues acquisitions alongside organic growth as part of its long-term expansion strategy.
About KSP Financial
KSP Financial was established in 2019 by Keith Phillips and operates out of Wilmslow, Cheshire. The firm advises clients across Cheshire and surrounding counties on pensions and retirement planning, investments, general financial planning and life insurance. Phillips will continue in a consultancy role following completion of the transaction.
Why is Suttons acquiring KSP Financial?
Smaller independently-run practices, particularly those built by a sole principal approaching retirement often face succession challenges without an internal successor. For firms of KSP Financial's scale, aligning with a larger chartered firm offers clients continuity of advice and access to broader resources, while giving the founding adviser a managed exit.
Suttons has been deliberate in targeting firms that share its service model and operational infrastructure. Keith Phillips noted that KSP Financial already uses identical platforms, cashflow modelling software and discretionary investment managers to Suttons, a degree of operational overlap that reduces integration risk and shortens transition timelines. Ben Preston has confirmed that Suttons continues to seek further acquisition opportunities.
What Happens Next
Keith Phillips will remain with the business in a consultancy capacity, providing continuity for his existing clients throughout the transition period. Phillips has indicated that he plans to introduce clients to the Suttons team over the coming months. Financial terms remain undisclosed and no further timeline has been stated publicly.
Robin Hastings, a corporate partner at North West law firm Bermans, acted for Suttons on the transaction. David Owen of Bluefriars Acquisition Services advised KSP Financial.
Suttons' Other Recent Acquisitions
Whitewell Financial Planning – June 2025
Bolton-based Whitewell Financial Planning was founded in 2008 by Phil O'Connor and managed nearly £40m in assets at the time of acquisition. O'Connor remained involved post-completion, continuing as the primary point of contact for his clients. Financial terms were not disclosed.
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