Towry reports growth in 2011 and possible float
Towry has seen its assets under management and revenue growth rise in 2011.
Assets under management grew by six per cent from £4.2bn to £4.5bn while revenue grew by six per cent to £84.2m.
It increased operating profit to £10.2m in 2011 after making a £5.5m loss in 2010 and increased EBITDA by 22 per cent to £19.6m.
The wealth advisory firm said the results were despite an uncertain economic environment and adverse stock market conditions.
According to the Financial Times, Towry could float within the next 18 months as its private equity backer Palamon is keen to exit the investment.
This follows plans to launch an initial public offering (IPO) bid in 2011 which were hindered by problems in the market.
Andrew Fisher, chief executive of Towry, said: “2011 has been another year of record income, assets under management and earnings.
“This built upon the significant growth in 2010 when the Edward Jones business was successfully integrated and 11 new offices were opened.”
He said the firm’s business model was RDR compliant and 96 per cent of advisers had attained their Level 4 status with the remainder hoping to be qualified by June.
The results follow the announcement in February that the firm had lost its High Court battle against Raymond James and seven Raymond James advisers.
Towry acquired Edward Jones in 2009 but several Edward Jones advisers then left to join Raymond James, taking with them a significant number of clients.
Towry then took Raymond James and seven Raymond James advisers to court for breach of restrictive covenants, misuse of confidential information and conspiracy to injure Towry.