Law firm Hill Dickinson has advised the management of Equilibrium, a leading independent financial adviser and fund management business, on a strategic investment from London’s Sovereign Capital Partners.
Sovereign, which has taken a majority shareholding in Cheshire-based Equilibrium, will use the investment to embark on a buy-and-build programme to extend Equilibrium’s offer nationwide.
Corporate partners Ian Gillis and James Down, and legal director James Redshaw, led on the provision of legal advice to Equilibrium, assisted by associate James McCarthy.
This deal marks an exciting step for Equilibrium after 30 years of operating out of Cheshire. The management team that has successfully steered the business to the point where it became a compelling investment opportunity for Sovereign now has the resource to grow across the UK. We were delighted to help play a part in making that happen.James Redshaw
Legal Director at Hill Dickinson
James Redshaw said: “This deal marks an exciting step for Equilibrium after 30 years of operating out of Cheshire. The management team that has successfully steered the business to the point where it became a compelling investment opportunity for Sovereign now has the resource to grow across the UK. We were delighted to help play a part in making that happen.”
Colin Lawson, founder and managing partner of Equilibrium, added: “Our clients value continuity and care above all else and this investment safeguards both. The senior team remains in place, our brand remains and our service remains as personal as ever.
“With Sovereign’s backing we can bring Equilibrium’s relationship-driven approach to more people across the UK, while continuing to innovate in a fast-changing market.”
Under the terms of the deal, the existing Equilibrium management team will retain a significant minority stake and continue to lead the day-to-day operation of the business. The business will also retain its brand, its Handforth headquarters, and its highly personal, relationship-led service model.