Brachers’ corporate team has advised MWA Financial on its acquisition of Kent-based IFA Knighthood Financial Advice (KFA).
London-headquartered MWA, founded in 2016 by chief executive Cam Banks, is an independent financial advisory business with plans to grow nationally through carefully selected acquisitions and partnerships. The business is chaired by Ed Rosengarten, who joined in 2021 as executive chairman.
KFA was founded nine years ago by advisers and long-term colleagues David Tyler, James Richards and Kevin Howard. All three advisers and their support staff will remain with the business, integrating into and rebranding as MWA Financial Advice with immediate effect.
This is the first deal since MWA received growth capital investment from private equity firm Coniston Capital in late 2023, which Brachers also advised on, and will add £100m assets under advice to the group. The Brachers team was led by corporate partners Matt Simmonds and Daniel King.
David Tyler said: “What Cam, Ed and the team have created at MWA is testament to the considerable experience they have in the sector and the unwavering passion they have for building a market-leading advice business.
“From our earliest conversations, there were clear and obvious synergies in both our thinking and business practices that made the decision to agree a deal an easy one.”
Cam Banks added: “The acquisition of KFA marks another important milestone for the group and an exciting next step for our growth strategy.
“In addition to a profitable business with a highly engaged and happy client base, we have gained an experienced and efficient team with the ambition, ability and incentive to play a major role in the future direction and growth of MWA. Thanks again to the Brachers team who continue to be a great partner for our business.”
Matt Simmonds said: “KFA is a fantastic addition to MWA Financial and I am sure this will be a hugely successful partnership.
“It’s great to see Cam, Ed and the team at MWA Financial go from strength to strength – they are always a true pleasure to work with and it’s great to be a part of their journey.”
Brachers’ corporate team has previously worked with MWA on five successful acquisitions of IFA businesses, primarily based in London and the South East, and on a funding partnership with ThinCats.