Simpli the best buyer found for financial advisory firm

Simpli Financial Solutions can retain its independence and turn its plans into reality following a sale advised by KBS Corporate.

Trading since 2016, Simpli supports individuals and businesses with bespoke, impartial financial advice, specialising in mortgages, property finance and personal insurance.

In a transaction advised by Sean Clarkson, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, Simpli has been acquired by Prime Property Finance.

The acquisition brings the two businesses under common ownership, with both retaining their own brand identity and propositions while expanding opportunities for advisers.

In a social media post, Gareth Llyr Morgan, Director of Prime Property Finance, outlined how his company had been chosen as the preferred acquirer by Rob Penman, Simpli’s Managing Director, and the growth opportunities in store.

“We’ve been working towards this for the best part of a year and to finally get it over the line is a genuinely special feeling,” wrote Gareth.

“But what made it even more special was something Rob Penman shared with us towards the end of the process – that they had actually received a higher offer for the business, but chose us because they believed we were the right people to take Simpli forward.

“I won’t pretend that didn’t mean the world to us. Selling a business you’ve built is a deeply personal decision and the trust Rob and the team placed in us is not something we take lightly. We are committed to honouring everything they worked so hard to create.”

Mark Watts, Gareth’s fellow Director, added: “Our vision for Simpli is simple – in business for yourself, not by yourself.

“Simpli has spent 10 years building a fantastic adviser community, culture and reputation. We now have the opportunity to build on those foundations while protecting the independence that makes the model work.”

Rob Penman commented: “This marks an exciting new chapter for Simpli Financial Solutions. We are proud of the adviser team and staff we have built over the last 10 years and are very pleased to be joining forces with Gareth and Mark, who share our culture, values and long-term vision. The acquisition is designed to add capability, not to change what works.

“I would like to thank all of the Simpli Financial Solutions team for the support and commitment they have given.”

KBS Corporate’s Sean Clarkson was delighted to bring the transaction to a successful conclusion.

“It’s been a pleasure to support the successful sale of Simpli Financial to Prime Property Finance,” said Sean.

“From our very first conversations together, it was clear there was a strong strategic alignment and exciting synergy between the two businesses, making this a particularly rewarding transaction to be involved in. I’m delighted to see that vision come to fruition through a successful completion.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and collaboration throughout the process and I wish Rob and the wider team every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter together.”