Coastal’s plan for M&A through three pathways

Having successfully completed over 30 acquisitions, Daniel Brown, CEO of Coastal Advisory Australia, shared insights with Money Management regarding the firm’s strategies and advice for M&A in the financial advisory space. One recent acquisition was the Brisbane-based advice business WealthFit in November, following several others in September 2025 including NSW’s RetireInvest Clarence Valley & Mid North Coast, South Australia’s Vector Wealth, and Perth’s SRM Wealth Solution.

In a significant move, Coastal Advice Group (CAG) and Calder Wealth Management merged under the CAG name, demonstrating Coastal’s commitment to national growth. The subsequent rebranding as Coastal Advisory Australia aimed to symbolize their vast reach from “coast to coast.” Brown set an ambitious goal of finalizing 15 M&A deals in the current financial year, a goal already well on its way with several deals nearing completion.

Brown described Coastal Advisory Australia’s approach to M&A as a “flexible blueprint” tailored to suit the unique needs of each acquired firm. This blueprint consists of three primary pathways: vendor sale, vendor retention within the business, or minority partnership. The vendor sale option is ideal for advisers looking to retire or pass on their business, involving a period of negotiations to reach a deal. On the other hand, the vendor retention pathway allows advisers to continue working while easing the business management burden. The last method caters to growth-oriented advisers seeking capital, strategy, and support while maintaining their brand identity and business operations.

Mitch Ramsbotham, a partner at Coastal, emphasized the importance of providing capital in exchange for dividends without interfering with the existing operations that have proven successful. Integrating acquired businesses and aligning strategies, personnel, and execution have been crucial aspects of Coastal Advisory Australia’s post-M&A processes, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success.

Overall, Coastal Advisory Australia’s experience in the M&A realm has led to the development of effective strategies that prioritize the needs and goals of the acquired firms. By offering flexible pathways and support, Coastal aims to facilitate seamless transitions and foster growth opportunities for all parties involved. With a robust blueprint in place and a commitment to excellence, Coastal Advisory Australia continues to expand its national footprint and strengthen its position in the financial advisory industry through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.