Liverpool firm WEALTH at work acquires Bristol-based Affinity

A Liverpool firm that provides workplace-based financial education services has expanded with the acquisition of the Affinity group of companies.

WEALTH at work increased its public sector footprint after snapping up the Bristol-based financial education business for an undisclosed sum.

Headquartered on Temple Street, WEALTH already provides services for a number of large private sector firms, such as telecoms giant BT and multinational retailer M&S. Affinity works with more than 200 employers and operates chiefly within the public sector, with emergency services and local authorities among its clients.

David Cassidy, the CEO at WEALTH, said: “We are very excited about the acquisition as we have become a giant within our sector overnight.

“It has allowed us to expand into the public sector at a time when making the correct at-retirement decisions are crucial for all.”

He continued: “And not only this, but as many of our staff are based in Liverpool, it brings a real boost to the local economy as we seek to recruit more staff to cope with demand.

“We are proud as a Liverpool company to have been recently recognised by the London Stock Exchange as one of the UK’s fastest growing and most inspirational companies. This development fuels continued growth for our business in the heart of the city.”

WEALTH is supported by investment firm Equistone Partners Europe, which has a base in Manchester.

Equistone partner Steve O’Hare commented: “We are delighted to have supported WEALTH at work to acquire the Affinity group (The Farleigh Group Ltd) as we continue to build on becoming the leading provider of financial education and advice in both the private and public sector.

“This acquisition will add to our capacity to meet the growing demand for WEALTH at work services.”

A North West team from financial services firm Deloitte, led by senior partner Richard Bell and director of transaction services Dan Wright, provided due diligence.