The Openwork Partnership has announced it has secured investment from global private investment firm Bain Capital.
In 2023, Openwork announced its intention to seek a minority investor to support its growth plans.
The Openwork Partners voted over 98% in favour of the proposed investment by Bain Capital on 24 October.
It described it as a “resounding endorsement” of the decision to select the private equity firm as its primary backer.
In addition, nearly 75% of the partner shareholding voted, a record number compared to previous partnership voting patterns.
The deal remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to complete in the first half of 2025.
Openwork will use the investment to progress its core priorities.
These include enhancing the offering throughout the lifecycle of adviser firms, as well as investing in technology and accelerating the growth of the partnership through strategic initiatives.
Since its inception in 2005, Openwork has grown to a network of over 4,750 financial advisers who support client needs across the UK.
From 2018, the business has been 90% owned by its 1,300 partners, which includes the principals of its 860 advice firms.
The remaining 10% is owned by the firm’s employees.
Bain Capital manages $185bn of assets worldwide. Its consulting-based approach to private equity enables it to partner closely with the management teams of the firms it invests in.
The firm also has a diverse set of investments in a broad range of industries.
This is Bain Capital’s first direct investment in the UK financial advice space, but it brings experience from having invested in similar companies in the US and elsewhere.
Openwork executive chair Philip Howell said of the new strategic investment: “At our National Conference last October we announced plans to bring a minority investor into the business to accelerate the growth of the Partnership.
“After a rigorous selection process, Bain Capital stood out as the obvious partner, through a clear alignment with our strategy and a recognition of the importance of our partnership culture. This investment will be transformative for the partnership.
“It ensures that we will be able to continue to grow the business and deliver exceptional value and excellent outcomes for our clients and shareholders over the long term.”
Bain Capital partner Elena Lieskovska added: “This partnership is about working better together, leveraging our combined strengths to grow the Openwork network and deliver exceptional value to clients, employees and shareholders.
“We look forward to helping facilitate the adviser lifecycle and succession planning, providing capital for the growth of member firms and deploying investments in technology to improve the user experience.”
Openwork was advised on this transaction by Stephens Europe Ltd, acting as financial adviser and Addleshaw Goddard LLP, acting as legal adviser to Openwork Holdings Limited, and Burges Salmon acting as legal adviser to Openwork Partnership LLP.
Bain Capital was advised by Slaughter and May, acting as legal adviser.
Comments