Bolton-based business advisory platform K3 Capital Group has launched a financial services division built around significant new investments in Pareto Financial Planning and Luna Investment Management.

The two firms will provide the foundation for K3’s new financial services division.

K3 said the deals are a “significant milestone” for the group but it has not disclosed the size of the investments.

Manchester-based Pareto was founded in 2008 and provides Financial Planning to individuals and SMEs on areas such as investments, pensions, protection, tax planning and employee benefits.

Luna provides investment management services to private clients and their advisers across the UK. It is focused on discretionary investment management.

John Stevenson, founding director at Pareto, said: “We’re proud of what we’ve built at Pareto, rooted in independent advice, long-term client relationships and a fantastic team.

“This investment allows us to keep everything that makes Pareto special, while giving us the backing, scale and capabilities to go even further. It’s a natural fit.”

Michael Cauter, CEO of K3 Capital Group, said: “This is a significant milestone in K3’s evolution.

“This strategic investment into Pareto’s award-winning wealth management capabilities will further support the existing management team to continue to deliver best-in-class service for their clients with deeply embedded client trust, strong values and outstanding leadership.

“Pareto and Luna extend K3’s lifecycle advisory model, helping businesses and their owners maximise value creation, as well as achieving their personal and professional ambitions at every stage.”

In June 2024 K3 acquired commercial property tax specialist HMA Tax for an undisclosed sum. HMA Tax specialises in helping commercial property owners and investors identify unclaimed capital allowances.