This acquisition will further strengthen the operations of Brown Shipley, particularly in the area of wealth planning, and expand its UK footprint to six cities, including a new office in Nottingham.

Hampton Dean has an especially strong reputation in the UK medical sector, as an advisor to medical professionals. This adds a new area of expertise to Brown Shipley, as well as potential skills transfer opportunities for the wider group.

This transaction follows KBL epb’s successful acquisition of the operations of UBS Belgium in late 2014, and reflects the Luxembourg-headquartered group’s strategy to achieve long-term growth through organic, semi-organic and external initiatives.

“This acquisition is fully in line with our vision to be recognized as a trusted partner and leading private bank everywhere we operate,” said Yves Stein, Group CEO, KBL epb. “At a time when the private banking industry is consolidating, we are extremely pleased to be able to expand our presence in the UK market – further enhancing the already very positive outlook for Brown Shipley.”

“With the full support of our shareholder,” he said, “KBL epb continues to actively review additional acquisition opportunities in our core markets, and will seize them when conditions are right.”

“The acquisition of Hampton Dean supports our growth plans, particularly in terms of enhancing our wealth planning proposition to meet the current and future needs of our clients,” said Ian Sackfield, CEO of Brown Shipley. “The two businesses have natural synergies and a history of close collaboration. I am confident the new team will make an important contribution to Brown Shipley and our shared success.”

Steve Collyer, Managing Director of Hampton Dean, added: “We are excited to be joining the KBL epb group and, in particular, Brown Shipley, a business with clear growth plans and a compelling vision for the future.”

The terms of the transaction, which has been approved by the relevant regulatory authorities, were not disclosed.