M&A specialist The Exit Partnership has today (21 July) announced that financial planner Dave Robinson has been added to its team as head of internal exits.
Robinson will spearhead guidance and advice to retiring IFAs considering a management buyout (MBO) or employee ownership trust (EOT), which has become increasingly popular in the advice sector since its launch in 2014.
Both options allow business owners to exit while preserving the existing culture and values of the firm and maintaining the consistency of service for clients.
Robinson brings over 20 years of financial services and accountancy experience to The Exit Partnership.
He also has vast knowledge of internal exit options, with the MBO of his own firm, Centurion Chartered Financial Planners, due to complete in the coming months.
The Exit Partnership managing director Victoria Hicks said: “We are very excited to welcome Dave to our growing team as it means we can now offer our clients support through to completion on both internal and external exits.
“We have always discussed internal exit options, but to now be able to help firms scale and exit in this way makes me proud to run a one-stop exit shop.”
She added: “We are passionate about using our hard-won experiences to help other business owners. I’ve sold my own financial planning business and so has Brian Hill, our head of strategic exits.
“Dave joining the team is another example of someone who has been in a business owner’s shoes, now helping others achieve a successful exit.
“For many business owners, an internal exit is an excellent option to preserve their legacy, ensuring clients continue to receive the same high-quality advice from the current team.”
Robinson’s recruitment allows The Exit Partnership to provide business owners with three new services to help facilitate an internal exit.
- A manual on internal exits will be launched to help educate business owners on the available options.
- A course to guide business owners on each of the steps they need to take to facilitate a successful internal exit, either by an MBO or an EOT. The first intake for the course, the Class of 2024, will open in the next couple of months.
- One-to-one support from Robinson himself, who will work with business owners to help them execute their internal exit.
Commenting on his appointment, Robinson said he is “passionate about helping financial advisers plan for their retirement and transition out of the profession in the right way”.
“I believe that internal exits are a great option for many owners as they maintain the culture and values of a business while causing the least amount of disruption to clients,” he added.
“I am also passionate about bringing new talent into the profession, and my work with firms will encourage firms to attract and retain talent, by creating exciting career paths for key individuals within a team.”
