Count has announced its strategic acquisition of Diverger, a provider of wealth, accounting and technology solutions to Australian accounting and financial advice professionals, which will take Count to around 550 advisers.
The company says that at completion, Count will “…represent a leading diversified financial services provider with total revenues of $132 million, Funds Under Management and Advice of $29 billion, around 550 advisers, 563 accountants and a significantly expanded services segment.”
Hugh Humphrey, CEO at Count, says the transaction is “…a key milestone in Count’s growth strategy and an important step towards achieving the company’s ambition to be Australia’s leading provider of integrated accounting and wealth services.”
He adds this is a transaction that “…continues the disciplined execution of our growth strategy, bringing tangible benefits to Count and Diverger shareholders, our member firms and their clients. Count and Diverger both have a deep heritage in accounting and financial advice, with complementary strengths that will position us as an industry leader.”
Count says Diverger holds over $2.7 billion of investor assets in Diverger-managed portfolios. Count member firms and clients will also have access to a range of new services and investment options currently offered by Diverger, including technical support, tax training and IT services.
…the agreement underscores Count’s commitment to bringing high-quality, holistic financial advice to more Australians…
Humphrey adds that the agreement underscores Count’s commitment to bringing high-quality, holistic financial advice to more Australians.
“We believe every Australian should be able to access professional accounting and advice services from a trusted source, which in turn gives them the confidence to look ahead.”
Highlights
Among the areas highlighted by Count are:
- Count has identified approximately $3 million in cost synergies and a number of new revenue growth opportunities to be delivered through an integration and benefit realisation program. Upon completion, Count will benefit from a broader and more diversified shareholder base
- The transaction is expected to deliver a material increase in scale and diversification of Count’s revenue and earnings as well as unlock incremental growth opportunities
- This is a transformational acquisition between highly complementary businesses, which will create a leading integrated financial services provider
- The transaction values Diverger at $45.3 million
The transaction is expected to complete in early 2024.
