DEBRA WAIT WEALTH MANAGEMENT ACQUISITION

Apollo Private Wealth, a partner practice of St James’s Place (SJP), has acquired Debra Wait Wealth Management, a fellow SJP firm based in Cambridgeshire.

The purchase amount was not disclosed, but the acquisition increases Apollo’s assets under management to £300m and supports the firm’s strategy to grow in the high-net-worth space.

Debra Wait, the owner of Debra Wait WM, will remain active in the business for at least the next 18 months to ensure a smooth transition for clients.

Nauman Gondal, Apollo’s founder and CEO, stated that the acquisition aligns with the firm’s growth strategy to expand its national footprint and provide integrated financial advice and services to more clients across the UK.

Debra Wait said: “I’m delighted to be joining Apollo. It was critical that I found a proactive practice that shared my exceptionally high client servicing standards and had the infrastructure to provide continuity and add considerable value to my clients.

“It was clear from the outset that Nauman and his team put clients at the centre of everything they do and wanted to thoroughly understand my business. To me, Apollo was the outstanding practice to partner with.”

What this acquisition means for the buyer

For Apollo Private Wealth, a partner practice of St James’s Place, the acquisition of Debra Wait Wealth Management supports its continued expansion within the high-net-worth financial advice market. By integrating an established Cambridgeshire-based client book, the transaction increases Apollo’s assets under management to approximately £300m and strengthens its regional footprint.

As both businesses operate within the same broader network structure, the transition may allow for a more streamlined integration process, with continuity of service supported by the existing adviser relationship. The involvement of the outgoing business owner for an extended transition period also helps maintain client confidence while operational responsibilities are gradually consolidated.

Overall, the acquisition reflects Apollo’s strategy of growing through the integration of aligned advisory businesses within a shared professional network.

What this means for sellers in the sector

For financial advisers operating within networked or partner practice models, this transaction highlights how internal consolidation can provide a structured route for succession. Rather than a traditional third-party sale, advisers may transition client relationships into larger practices operating under the same overarching group.

This type of arrangement can be particularly relevant for business owners seeking continuity for clients while reducing their long-term operational involvement. It also demonstrates how phased exits, supported by ongoing adviser engagement, may be used to ensure a smooth transition of responsibility within the same advisory ecosystem.

Market trend context

The UK wealth management sector continues to see consolidation within established advisory networks, particularly among partner practices operating under larger financial services groups. These structures allow firms to scale client assets while maintaining a consistent brand and investment proposition.

There is also an increasing trend towards internal acquisitions and book transfers within existing networks, where integration is driven by alignment of investment philosophy, compliance frameworks, and client service models. This reflects a broader shift towards platform consolidation within the financial advice industry.

How Capital & Trust typically supports transactions like this

Capital & Trust acts as a business broker, sourcing and introducing potential acquisition opportunities to firms seeking to expand their wealth management and financial advisory capabilities. The firm facilitates introductions between parties and supports early-stage discussions where there is mutual interest in exploring a transaction.

Where appropriate, Capital & Trust may assist in coordinating communication between buyers, sellers, and their appointed professional advisers during initial engagement. Its role is limited to originating and facilitating introductions, while all regulated financial, legal, and technical matters are handled by external advisers appointed by the parties.

If you’d like a confidential, obligation-free discussion about selling or acquiring a Wealth Management / Asset Management business, please click here, alternatively contact us at 0207-043-4300 or email us.