Ironbark AM and Invest Blue announce merger

In what represents a major move involving a financial advice firm and an asset manager, Ironbark Asset Management is to merge with Invest Blue.

The two companies announced the move today stating that upon completion it would result in an entity with $64 billion in funds under management, trusteeship and advice.

It would also result in a business with more than 500 people and offices in over 35 locations around Australia.

Commenting on the move, Ironbark chief executive, Chris Larsen said the partnership would bring together several areas of professional specialisation under a single umbrella to meet evolving consumer needs.

Invest Blue managing director, David Stephen said the merger supported Invest Blue’s longstanding mission to empower people to live their best possible lives and aided the group’s goal to become the trusted home of great advice to over 60,000 clients in every major population centre in Australia.

“Our strategic partnership with Ironbark will provide capital, scale and expertise. It will accelerate our ability to enhance our value proposition to our clients, people and shareholders,” he said.

The merger is expected to be completed by the end of September 2023. Ironbark was exclusively advised by Berkshire Global Advisors.