Law firm Brachers has shared its role advising a Hertfordshire-based wealth management firm on its sale to a larger group.
The deal sees BpH Wealth Management join AAB Wealth, the chartered financial planning arm of accountancy practice AAB.
AAB Wealth, headquartered in Aberdeen, has completed seven growth deals since 2023, with the latest bringing its total assets under advice to more than £2.5bn.
BpH Wealth Management employs more than 20 people and is based in Harpenden.
Brachers’ corporate team advising on the deal was led by partner Matt Simmonds and included partner Dan King, solicitors Joe Burrows and Thomas Wells, and paralegal Charlotte Berthel.
Addleshaw Goddard provided legal advice to AAB Wealth.
Michael Freedman, founder of BpH Wealth Management, said: “Joining AAB Wealth marks an exciting new chapter for our business.
“From day one, our focus has always been simple – to put our clients’ values, goals and families at the heart of every piece of advice we give.
“That philosophy won’t change. If anything, becoming part of AAB Wealth strengthens our ability to deliver it.
“With the additional expertise, resources and support of the wider team, we can continue to offer thoughtful, personal advice while helping clients navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.
“I want to personally thank Matt Simmonds and his team at Brachers for their outstanding support and guidance throughout the transaction process.
“Their deep knowledge of transactions in the financial services sector and enthusiasm to get our deal done were invaluable.”
Simon Brown, partner at BpH Wealth Management, said: “Our guiding principle has always been to recommend only the strategies and solutions we would be comfortable giving to our own families.
“That standard remains the benchmark for everything we do, and it’s one we know AAB Wealth shares.
“AAB Wealth’s vision, leadership and track record of successful integrations made it the natural choice.
“We’re excited about the opportunities ahead for both our clients and our people.
“My sincere thanks also to Matt Simmonds and the team at Brachers, who guided us through a detailed process seamlessly.
“They were fully committed to our deal and often worked tirelessly on short notice to get our deal completed.
“I am hugely grateful and would not hesitate to recommend them.”
Darren Weeks, managing partner at BpH Wealth Management, said: “This is an exciting step forward for our business, and one that feels like a natural fit.
“AAB Wealth’s culture closely mirrors our own, particularly in its commitment to putting clients at the heart of everything it does, while also fostering a supportive and progressive environment for staff.
“It was important for us to find a firm that values both excellent client outcomes and employee wellbeing, and we’re confident joining AAB achieves exactly that.”
Matt Simmonds, corporate partner at Brachers, said: “I am so pleased for Michael, Simon and their team at BpH Wealth Management on its successful sale to AAB Wealth.
“We are incredibly proud to have supported them on this landmark transaction.
“In AAB Wealth, they have found the perfect partner for the future of the business, with clients truly at the heart of it.
“My congratulations to the team at AAB Wealth on their continued success and growth.
“We wish both teams every success for the future.”
