My Pension Expert has secured a strategic investment from Valeas Capital Partners, as Palatine Private Equity prepares to exit the at-retirement advice firm following a four-year partnership.

The transaction is expected to complete later this year, subject to approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

My Pension Expert was advised on the transaction by Ardea Partners, while Hines Associates advised Valeas Capital Partners.

My Pension Expert said the investment would support the next stage of its expansion and its efforts to increase access to regulated retirement advice among mass-market consumers.

The Doncaster-headquartered business is a certified B Corporation and provides individualised at-retirement advice to consumers it said had historically struggled to access financial advice.

My Pension Expert founder and chief executive officer, Andrew Megson, stated that Valeas shared the company’s commitment to closing the retirement advice gap.

“As we enter the next phase of our growth journey and double down on our mission to provide financial advice to those the market has historically overlooked, we are excited to partner with Valeas," he said.

“Their team brings a deep understanding of our business and sector, a shared commitment to our vision, and the strategic expertise to support our long-term ambitions.

“Their investment and expertise give us the financial flexibility to keep building the business, and I look forward to innovating and expanding further together.

“I would also like to express my thanks to Palatine, who have been brilliant partners for My Pension Expert, and I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved together."

Valeas is a growth-focused equity investment firm whose other financial services investments include US-registered wealth manager Sequoia Financial Group and Jersey-based fund administration, corporate and trust services provider Suntera Global.

Also commenting on the partnership, Valeas Capital Partners principal, Noah Viner, said: “My Pension Expert represents a unique platform within the UK retirement sector, and we are excited to invest in and support a business that provides high-quality advice for those who need it most.

“We look forward to accelerating the firm’s expansion by helping it scale its offering and expand access to best-in-class, personalised financial guidance.”

Meanwhile, Palatine Private Equity partner, Kieran Lawton, who led the deal for Palatine, noted that My Pension Expert had expanded significantly during the firm’s ownership period.

“Andrew and his team have done an outstanding job over the past four years growing the business and helping it reach its full potential," he said.

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed supporting the group, which is on track to become one of the UK’s most highly trusted and fastest-growing pensions advisory businesses.”

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