Shackleton Advisers completes the acquisition of Chetwood Group
Shackleton Advisers, a leading private family-owned financial advisory firm, has bolstered its UK presence with the strategic acquisition of the Chetwood Group. The deal, announced on July 3, 2025, adds over £900 million in assets under management (AUM) to Shackleton’s portfolio, marking the firm's fourth acquisition this year[1][2][3][4].
The Chetwood Group, consisting of Chetwood Wealth Management, Chetwood Investment Management, Chetwood Private Wealth, Ermin Fosse Financial Management, and Darnells Wealth Management, brings 45 new employees to Shackleton, significantly increasing its workforce to approximately 450[1]. This acquisition is expected to enhance operational capacity, particularly in the South West of England, where Shackleton seeks to solidify its presence[1][2].
Shackleton CEO, Paul Feeney, expressed his excitement about the wealth of experience and expertise the Chetwood Group will bring to Shackleton's team. He also mentioned working closely with Mark Pendarves, the executive chairman of the Chetwood Group, and his team over the past couple of months[1][3].
This move is part of Shackleton’s broader UK expansion strategy to consolidate respected financial advisory practices under a unified brand, delivering tailored, high-quality financial advice across the country[1][2]. The addition of Chetwood not only increases Shackleton’s scale in terms of assets but also strengthens its regional footprint and human capital, positioning it for continued growth in the competitive financial services sector[1][3].
It is worth noting that Sovereign Capital Partners, the current private equity investor for Shackleton, will be replaced by Lee Equity Partners after the investment. This deal also marks the 19th transaction completed by Shackleton since Sovereign's initial investment[1][3].
In a recent disclosure, Shackleton revealed a definitive agreement for a majority investment from funds managed by Lee Equity Partners[1]. The latest transaction, the acquisition of the Chetwood Group, follows Shackleton's acquisition of IM Asset Management (IMAM) from Irwin Mitchell last month, along with TWP Wealth, a financial planning business that IMAM purchased in 2022[1].
With this acquisition, Shackleton's total assets under management now stand at approximately £8 billion, reflecting the firm's continued growth and success in the financial services sector[1][2].
[1] Shackleton Advisers Press Release, July 3, 2025. [2] Financial Times, "Shackleton Advisers Acquires Chetwood Group," July 4, 2025. [3] City A.M., "Shackleton's Expansion Continues with Chetwood Group Acquisition," July 4, 2025. [4] The Guardian, "Shackleton Advisers Boosts UK Presence with Chetwood Group Acquisition," July 4, 2025.
- Shackleton Advisers, in its UK expansion strategy, has integrated Chetwood Group's businesses, including Chetwood Wealth Management, Chetwood Investment Management, and private wealth arms, such as Ermin Fosse Financial Management and Darnells Wealth Management, aiming to provide tailored personal-finance advice nationwide.
- The acquisition of the Chetwood Group has not only significantly expanded Shackleton's assets under management to approximately £8 billion but also fortified its regional footprint by adding 45 new employees, bringing the firm's workforce to around 450.
- The Chetwood Group's considerable expertise in wealth management, investing, and other finance-related services is expected to facilitate Shackleton's operational growth, particularly in the South West of England, where the firm seeks to solidify its presence.
- Having completed the Chetwood Group acquisition and a definitive agreement for a majority investment from funds managed by Lee Equity Partners, Shackleton is well-positioned for continued growth in the ever-competitive financial services sector, leveraging advanced technologies like AI and private equity funding from investors such as Lee Equity Partners.
