FinTechDeals

A £16 million takeover deal has been agreed for a Liverpool firm which creates AI agents for financial advisory firms.

Investment advice company Tavistock Investments Plc is to acquire 87.9% of Plus Group as it seeks to build a technology-enabled financial services group that combines advice, investment management and intelligent automation for retail investors. 

It also kickstarts the group’s rebranding transition into the Vertex Group, following the recent acquisitions of Alpha Beta Partners and Lifetime Financial Management.

The initial consideration for the acquisition is £900,000 payable in cash with a further £3.6m payable in cash over the next eighteen months. Additional deferred consideration of up to £11.5m in cash may become payable over the balance of four years, subject to agreed performance criteria.

In its last financial year to 30th September 2025, Plus Group recorded turnover of just less than £1m and EBITDA of circa £340,000.

Plus Group currently has two AI agents operating live within production environments, two in beta testing and 10 additional agents under development.

“The acquisition of Plus Group marks another important milestone in Tavistock’s long-term strategy to build a modern, technology-enabled financial services business for retail investors,” said Brian Raven, chief executive of Tavistock Investments Plc.

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“As we rebrand into Vertex Group, we are keen to become a dominant force in providing personalised, human-centric financial advice to everyone regardless of wealth. In our view, AI adoption will disrupt financial services but not by eliminating the need for advisers. 

“Rather, it will supercharge productivity and truly open up financial advice to retail investors, beyond the privileged few.

“Plus Group brings outstanding expertise in both paraplanning and AI technology, and we are delighted to welcome the team into the group.”

Scott Daniels, founder of Plus Group, commented: “Joining Tavistock represents an exciting opportunity for Plus Group. 

“We share a common vision of using technology to support advisers rather than replace them, allowing professionals to focus on building stronger client relationships whilst intelligent automation supports the work behind the scenes. 

“We look forward to contributing to the group’s continued growth and innovation.”

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