Contributors
Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised certain members of the management team and shareholders of Leeds-based wealth management firm The Private Office (TPO) on an investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives, the private markets investing business within Goldman Sachs.
Founded in Leeds in 2008, TPO has grown into a leading UK chartered independent financial advice and planning firm with a nationwide presence. Its expansion has been supported by a growing network of financial advisers, many of whom have progressed through TPO’s in-house academy, with employee shareholding integral to the business.
The WBD team advising on the transaction was led by corporate partner James Cook, with support from associate Will Reynolds.
Stuart Phillips, CEO of The Private Office, said:
“Goldman Sachs Alternatives is the ideal partner to support our ambitious growth plan as we continue to build the UK’s leading organically grown chartered financial planning firm, with employee ownership and exceptional client outcomes at our core. Womble Bond Dickinson’s expertise and advice throughout the process has been invaluable, helping us to navigate a complex transaction on a very expedited timetable.”
James Cook added:
“We were delighted to support Stuart and the team on this strategic investment. Our private equity experience meant we could provide pragmatic, commercial advice from the outset through to signing, helping our clients deliver a transaction that supports TPO’s long-term growth ambitions while preserving the culture that underpins its employee ownership model.”
