Sydney company finalizes M&A deal

Count recently executed a merger and acquisition deal in Sydney as a part of its financial planning strategy. The subsidiary CountPlus One sealed the deal to acquire the accounting and audit client base of Brigden & Partners, with the completion date set for October 2025. The target firm, Brigden & Partners, operates out of Hornsby and Sydney’s central business district and has a revenue of $1.7 million.

Count’s Chief Executive, Hugh Humphrey, expressed that this acquisition aligns with the company’s approach of collaborating with top-tier firms to drive sustainable growth. He emphasized the growth potential in New South Wales, highlighting how this acquisition will enhance Count North Sydney’s scale and capabilities.

Earlier this year, Count Gold Coast also expanded its operations by taking over the accounting clients of MJG Partnership and Harrison & Harrison, both based in Queensland. These acquisitions translated to additional recurring revenues of $2.8 million, propelling Count Gold Coast’s annualized revenue to around $18 million post-transaction completion.

In another notable development, Johnston Grocke, an accounting firm hailing from South Australia, merged with Count Adelaide in April. Johnston Grocke, initially focused on life insurance, diversified its services to include financial planning and accounting in 1995. This strategic move generated $3.8 million in new revenue, with a significant portion attributed to financial advice services.

Hugh Humphrey, in a conversation with Money Management, shared Count’s aspirations for “transformative” mergers and acquisitions, especially after successfully integrating Diverger, which was acquired in March 2024. This signals Count’s commitment to strategic growth and expansion in the financial planning domain.

The series of M&A activities reflect Count’s proactive approach to expanding its market presence and enhancing its service offerings. By partnering with established firms and leveraging synergies, Count aims to solidify its position in the financial advisory sector. These strategic acquisitions not only broaden Count’s reach but also demonstrate its commitment to delivering comprehensive financial solutions to clients.

Overall, Count’s recent M&A endeavors underscore its commitment to strategic growth and resilience in a competitive industry landscape. The company’s focus on collaboration, sustainable growth, and enhancing client services through strategic acquisitions sets a strong foundation for continued success in the financial planning sector.