Saunderson House to be acquired by Rathbone Brothers Plc

Saunderson House today announces that it is to be acquired by Rathbone Brothers Plc, one of the largest wealth managers in the UK. The acquisition remains subject to regulatory approval.

This partnership brings together one of the UK’s top independent financial planning businesses with one of the leading investment management companies and creates one of the largest high net worth financial planning businesses in the UK, bringing together over 80 certified advisers.

Like Saunderson House, Rathbones has client centricity at its core and has over 100 years’ heritage of serving clients, with a particular focus on high quality investment management propositions. Saunderson House’s experience of providing complex financial planning solutions to high net worth individuals will complement and strengthen Rathbones’ existing financial planning capability and enhance its ability to offer a more holistic wealth management proposition to clients where appropriate.

Saunderson House is expected to benefit from access to the strength and depth of Rathbones’ investment capability, with clients benefitting from an enhanced investment management proposition that will include the expertise and wider range of investment management solutions available from across Rathbones’ core private client and funds operations, supporting growth and positive client outcomes.

This partnership will enhance the service proposition that Saunderson House has provided to its clients over the last 50 years and will also provide attractive, lasting career opportunities for its people. We are confident Rathbones represents the right long-term home for Saunderson House and its clients.

Tony Overy, CEO of Saunderson House, said:

“Over the course of extensive recent engagement between Saunderson House and Rathbones, it became clear to us that there is a high level of cultural alignment between our two businesses; both have been built on serving clients to the highest standards and building enduring relationships based on trust and integrity. By doing this over many years we have built a high-quality business with very loyal and satisfied clients. I am absolutely delighted with our decision to partner with Rathbones which I believe will allow us to continue doing exactly this, with access to Rathbones’ significant additional investment management capability and market-leading investment process. This transaction provides long-term ownership stability for Saunderson House to enable us to continue to focus on providing our high level of client service, developing and enhancing our proposition, and providing an excellent environment for our people as part of a well-respected and well capitalised group.”

Paul Stockton, CEO of Rathbones said:

“Saunderson House is a high-quality business with a strong desire to deliver leading wealth management services to clients over the long term, and it will add both scale and capability to Rathbones. Commonly shared values, and a resolute focus on delivering quality client outcomes, provide a firm foundation from which to take advantage of some exciting growth opportunities. I very much look forward to welcoming everyone at Saunderson House to Rathbones Group as we work to exceed our ambitions together.”

Owen Wilson, Partner at Epiris said:

“When we bought Saunderson House, it was somewhat buried in a conglomerate. Separating it into an independent entity has brought focus and clarity to the business which in turn has unlocked its potential. This latest transaction represents a tremendous opportunity for Rathbones and Saunderson House to grow together, and we wish Tony and his team every success in this next stage of the company’s story.”

The acquisition is subject to approval by the FCA and is expected to complete in the third quarter of 2021.

Saunderson House is being advised by Fenchurch Advisory Partners and Macfarlanes and the Saunderson House management team is being advised by Eversheds Sutherland.