Azets agrees deal for Laurus Associates

A financial advisory firm has agreed a deal to buy a North East operator.

Azets Wealth Management has swooped for Newcastle-based Chartered financial planner Laurus Associates.

The deal is expected to be finalised in the coming days.

Founded in 2002 by Karen Barwick and Colin Dawson, Laurus Associates provides personal and corporate advice across areas including trust planning, auto-enrolment, investment portfolios, pension property purchases and employee benefits advice.

Under the terms of the takeover, Karen, Colin and Laurus Associates’ wider team will join Azets Wealth Management.

Karen, Laurus Associates’ director, said: “We are excited to continue our journey as part of Azets Wealth Management.

“This new chapter is an opportunity to provide an even broader range of services and specialist expertise.”

The deal is the latest growth milestone for Azets Wealth Management – which operates across the UK from hubs in the North East and Scotland – after it bought Glasgow wealth management and Chartered accountancy firm Milne Craig.

Mark Parkinson, Azets Wealth Management chief executive, said: “Laurus Associates is a firm I have admired for a number of years.

“There is a clear cultural alignment between Azets Wealth Management and Laurus Associates, and their achievements over the past 23 years are outstanding.

“Our team will benefit significantly from their experience and specialised approach, and we hope Laurus Associates clients will feel our commitment to continuity and personalised advice.”

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