Sussex-based private equity firm Cow Corner Investing has merged two Brighton-based financial advice firms it has acquired into one business with £1.5bn of assets.

Expanding South Coast-based wealth manager and adviser firm Skerritts Group has acquired Horsham-based Financial Planner Mercier Allen & Associates.

Mutual provider Royal London has received High Court approval to consolidate the Royal Liver Sub-Fund and the Phoenix Life Assurance Ltd (PLAL) Sub-Fund into the Royal London Open Fund.

The acquisitive St Albans-based Chartered Financial Planner Lumin Wealth has acquired South East financial adviser Ashridge Financial Management – its third takeover in two years.