CBPE is pleased to announce its investment in Clifton, a leading wealth management and pensions administration firm located near Bristol
CBPE is pleased to announce its investment in Clifton Asset Management (“Clifton”), a leading wealth management and pensions administration firm located near Bristol.
Founded in 1986, Clifton has a long history in pensions administration and wealth management. Over the past decade, it has grown into a vertically integrated, client-focused wealth manager, offering a comprehensive range of services. These include retirement planning, tax advice, asset management, and a wealth platform, with a particular focus on individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Currently, Clifton manages over £1.8 billion in group assets and serves more than 9,000 clients with the support of 110 employees. The company has developed its own proprietary technology platform, Connects-X, which integrates a client-facing portal with a back-office system to streamline operations. This technology has been key in successfully integrating four advisory firm acquisitions over the past two years, including Burnett & Reid Wealth Management, Noble James and G B Financial Services.
CBPE is partnering with Clifton’s experienced management team, led by CEO Neil Greenaway, who is reinvesting in the business alongside CBPE. Together, they aim to accelerate Clifton’s growth through a combination of organic development and strategic acquisitions in what remains a highly fragmented market. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.
This investment continues CBPE’s strong track record in the wealth management sector. Notably, CBPE recently exited Perspective, a UK-based wealth management firm, generating a return of 5.4x invested capital through a sale to US private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners.
CBPE’s wider success in financial services includes the IPOs of Xafinity (a UK corporate pensions consultancy) and JTC (a global administration provider), as well as the exit of Compre (a legacy insurance firm) to Cinven Partners. CBPE’s current portfolio features investments in Direct Commercial Group (a commercial motor insurer), Centralis (corporate services), and BKL (accounting services).
We are delighted to welcome CBPE as our strategic investor. This partnership marks a transformative milestone in Clifton’s journey, building on the robust infrastructure we’ve created to deliver exceptional client outcomes within a strong compliance framework. CBPE’s proven track record in supporting high-growth financial services companies makes them the ideal partner for us. Our proprietary, technology-enabled platform and scalable operating model uniquely position Clifton to integrate quality financial advisory firms into our community. With CBPE’s expertise and financial backing, we are excited to accelerate our acquisition strategy while maintaining the high standards that have driven our success.
We are delighted to be working with the Clifton team. We have been impressed with what Management have built. Clifton is well invested, with a deep commitment to client service and regulatory compliance. With a scalable business model and a clear focus on accelerating its M&A strategy, acquiring small and medium sized IFAs, the business is well-positioned to continue its growth journey.
CBPE’s investment in Clifton was led by Richard Thompson, Adam Richardson and Rachel Milton.
CBPE was advised by Mayer Brown (legal), BDO (financial, tax, structuring), JEGI Clarity (debt advisory), Thistle (regulatory), AJ Gallagher (insurance), and Alderton Digital (IT). Clifton was advised by Dyer Baade (CF advice) and Simmons & Simmons (legal).
Senior debt was provided by Tresmares Capital, who was advised by Osborne Clarke (legal).
