Sovereign Capital Partners, the former private equity owner of South Coast-based Financial Planner Shackleton, has acquired a majority stake in North West Financial Planner Equilibrium.

The size of the investment has not been disclosed but Sovereign says it plans to use Equilibrium as a platform to scale up the firm and expand it nationally into new regions.

The existing management team at Equilibrium will keep a significant minority stake and continue to lead the business day-to-day.

Equilibrium was founded 30 years ago and is run by experienced Financial Planner Colin Lawson.

The deal will see Equilibrium retain its brand, its Handforth, Wilmslow headquarters and its relationship-led service model.

Equilibrium says there will be no changes for clients to their adviser relationships, portfolio approach, fees or service standards and no jobs are affected by the deal.

Sovereign says the partnership will support a national ‘buy-and-build programme’, using Equilibrium as the platform to expand into new regions.

The strategy will also see future acquisitions migrated onto Equilibrium’s systems and operating model.

Colin Lawson, founder and managing partner of Equilibrium, said: “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.”

James Dargan, partner, Sovereign Capital Partners, said: “The investment in Equilibrium is about backing a high‑quality business in a fragmented sector that is undergoing significant change.

“Given our knowledge of the sector, we have identified Equilibrium as a high-quality business that has consistently focused on the client and employee value proposition. Colin and the team have demonstrated an ability to grow ahead of the market organically and navigate volatility.

“Our investment will support the business’ acquisition strategy, and facilitate further investment in the management team and technology infrastructure. We believe the winners will be those who combine deep client trust with the infrastructure and ambition to scale - Equilibrium is exactly that kind of business.”

Sovereign has a record of partnering with wealth and professional services firms. It recently sold its stake in Shackleton (formerly Skerritts) to Lee Equity after investing in the firm from March 2021.