Edinburgh team advise on wealth management acquisition

13th September 2010

The Edinburgh corporate team advises one of Scotland's largest independently-owned IFA firms, Dunedin Independent, in their acquisition by Zurich-based Helvetia Wealth.

Leading national law firm, HBJ Gateley Wareing, has advised Scotland’s largest privately owned independent financial adviser on its acquisition by the Swiss and Liechtenstein-based asset management firm, Helvetia Wealth.

Edinburgh-based Dunedin Independent has grown to become one of Britain's top 100 wealth management firms since its formation in 1994. The company specialises in providing bespoke investment management to wealthy individuals throughout Scotland and elsewhere in the UK and has more than £350m of funds under management.

Helvetia Wealth was established in 2005 with funding to meet the object of identifying and acquiring potential growth companies throughout Europe, but particularly in the UK. However, its licence authorises it to operate in all European Union member states. It is now one of the leading asset management firms in Europe with the ability to offer Swiss investment solutions to UK clients.

Corporate partner David Kirchin said:

“This was a challenging deal, especially given the current financial climate. Helvetia however recognised the talents of Dunedin and its excellent management team, as well as the strength of its client base. As part of Helvetia this will further promote Dunedin’s offering and serve for future growth and expansion.”

David Kirchin is a partner within the corporate team of HBJ Gateley Wareing.