Paul Barrett
Azimut-backed professional services utility, AZ Next Generation Advisory (AZ NGA) has completed its 17th transaction in Queensland, bringing its national total to 79.
The group’s acquisition of the recently rebranded Blue Harbour Financial Partners (formerly Bridges Brisbane Bayside) and Henderson Matusch Group have together added 19 financial advisers.
AZ NGA’s latest transactions reinforce its commitment to building a large national network of small-to-medium accounting and financial advisory businesses.
Paul Barrett, AZ NGA Chief Executive Officer, said Queensland was an important geographic area for the group and a market with many exceptional professional accounting and advisory businesses.
“The addition of Blue Harbour Financial Partners and Henderson Matusch Group broadens the capability inside AZ NGA and expands our capacity for long-term growth,” he said.
“We have built a strong presence in New South Wales and Victoria, and our focus is increasingly on other capital cities and suburban corridors of growth. We continue to see plenty of potential opportunities.”
Based in Cleveland, Blue Harbour Financial Partners employs 16 staff including six financial advisers. The business specialises in superannuation, investment and retirement advice.
It is led by Chief Executive Officer and Partner, Todd Hitchcock and Chief Financial Officer and Partner, Blake Roberts.
Based in Brisbane, Henderson Matusch Group was established in 2004 by Benjamin Matusch, Ian Henderson and Colin Archard.
The group, which specialises in holistic goals-based advice, is led by Chief Executive Officer Paul Fog and employs 40 staff including 13 financial advisers.
Blue Harbour Financial Partners Chief Financial Officer and Partner Blake Roberts said the business had established itself as one of the leading advisory firms in the Cleveland and Redland City area but it still had ambitious plans to grow and expand.
“We are committed to continuous improvement in every area and we’re always looking for opportunities to add value for our clients,” Roberts said.
“We want to develop the breadth and depth of our client value proposition, and we are excited about utilising AZ NGA’s business coaching, mentoring and SME resources to take us to the next level.”
Mr Fog said the increasing level of complexity in financial services made it advantageous for advisory firms to leverage the scale, insights and resources of an experienced partner.
“Running a successful business today is vastly different to a decade ago or even five years ago,” he said.
“AZ NGA is the most experienced player in the market when it comes to M&A, succession solutions and business growth. It has the vision, know-how and capitalbacking to invest in strategic advice for the long-term and our partnership ensures that Henderson Matusch will continue to grow and meet our obligations to clients, staff and other stakeholders.”
With the addition of Blue Harbour Financial Partners and Henderson Matusch Group, AZ NGA has completed almost 80 transactions to date.
The group’s three-tiered strategy is focused on acquiring capability and capacity; maximising efficiencies through the delivery of shared services; and partnering with firms to drive organic growth.