Castle Donington-based Cooper Parry has acquired independent chartered financial planners Gem & Co as it continues to expand its wealth management business.
Gem & Co, which is based in Wimbledon, was founded in 2001 by managing director Gareth Rees and advises a client base largely made up of professionals and high net worth individuals. The firm will become part of Cooper Parry Wealth, adding to the group’s growing financial planning capability.
The acquisition is Cooper Parry’s eighth since it partnered with US private equity firm Lee Equity Partners in April 2025. Following the deal, Cooper Parry said its pro forma turnover has moved beyond £250m as it works towards a stated target of £600m by 2028.
Gem & Co already operates an evidence-based investment approach aligned with Cooper Parry Wealth. The combined wealth management business is targeting revenues of more than £50m by 2028, supported by further acquisitions and organic growth.
Gareth Rees said joining Cooper Parry would allow the business to scale without changing its approach. “Our clients will continue to work with the same trusted team, now supported by greater scale, technology and specialist expertise,” he said. “It is growth without compromise and gives us the opportunity to do more of what makes a real difference to clients.”
Dave Kendrick, managing director of Cooper Parry Wealth, said the acquisition was a strong strategic fit. “What Gareth, Elliott and the team have built aligns closely with our vision for a financial planning-led wealth business. This is about combining personalised advice with scale and long-term recurring revenue,” he said.
Elliott Swatton, director at Gem & Co, said the deal created new opportunities for staff and clients. “Helping clients achieve better outcomes has always been central to what we do, and that focus is shared by Cooper Parry Wealth,” he said.
Ade Cheatham, chief executive of Cooper Parry, said wealth management was a core pillar of the group’s growth strategy and that further expansion was expected.
