Leicester-based WBR Group, a provider of SSASs and tax advice, has acquired Wimbledon-based Bespoke Corporate Pensions Limited (BCPL) for an undisclosed sum.
It is WBR Group’s third acquisition as it plots an expansion strategy.
BCPL is a boutique SSAS administrator with over 100 SSAS and group defined benefits schemes and £200m in assets under administration.
BCPL was founded by Eddie Kingsley 28 years ago and is an an “ideal fit” for the wider WBR Group, WBR says.
The deal follows WBR’s recent acquisition of Rowanmoor’s book of 3,500 SSASs and the earlier acquisition of James Hay’s SSAS book.
BCPL CEO Eddie Kingsley said: “So much has impressed me about WBR as I have got to know them. I see shared professional values, technical expertise, commercial know-how, strong working partnerships with clients and fair dealing.
“I know that I will be joining a team of colleagues whose professional calibre is of the very highest order. I see a firm whose financial strength is robust. I am immensely proud of the business that we have created at BCPL, but I know that we can do more and to do that we needed to become part of a larger organisation with the same client centric focus and shared professional values.”
Tom Moore, CEO of WBR Group said: “We have made no secret that we are acquisitive and have shown how we can successfully integrate these businesses.
“This is our third acquisition and follows the purchase of the James Hay SSAS book in March 2021 and Rowanmoor’s SSAS book in 2023. The acquisition of BCPL is a great fit for us as it is rare that you have the opportunity to acquire such a loyal group of clients and a quality book of business. This will be our first London presence and is an important part of our growth strategy.”
WBR provides tax advice to the owner-managed business sector and high net worth individuals in addition to independent administration, consultancy, actuarial and trustee services for SSASs. The firm was established in 2016.
WBR’s head office is in Leicester with offices in Bolton, Salisbury and Wimbledon and clients across the UK. The firm currently administers over 4,000 schemes with assets of over £4bn. The actuarial department provides services to small and large DB pension schemes as well as providing specialist services re pension on divorce valuations and funeral plans.
