Apogee Wealth Management, a Cheshire-based Chartered Financial Planner wealth firm, has bought local IFA Premier Financial Planning UK for an undisclosed sum.

As part of the deal, Stuart Cafferty, managing director of Premier, will move to Apogee to help with client transition prior to his retirement.

Premier, which has clients in Cheshire and across the UK, is based in Furness Vale, about 20 miles away from Apogee which is located in Knutsford, Cheshire.

Simon Hardstaff, director at Apogee Wealth Management, said: “Stuart has built a successful business trusted by his clients and we’re delighted that we’re able to build on and continue his good work from over the last 30 years.”

Mr Cafferty said: “I have struggled with this decision as I enjoy my work and my main pleasure has been visiting clients and helping as necessary with their financial decisions.

“However, since deciding to retire I have looked at various options and I feel confident that Apogee will continue to look after our clients to a very high standard.”

He said Apogee was a larger firm than Premier with more resources.

He added: “Importantly, they are an independent firm, which means they can continue to support and work with our clients without needing to change things unnecessarily.

“Finally, it is also reassuring that they have been awarded the prestigious Chartered Firm status, demonstrating their commitment to an overall standard of excellence and professionalism. I will look forward to introducing the Apogee team to my clients in the coming weeks and months”