CountPlus  has announced that Member firm Unite Advisory Pty Ltd (Unite) has finalised terms to acquire and merge with Bentley Brett & Vincent (BBV), an accounting and financial advisory firm based in Coffs Harbour.

The transaction strengthens the team at Unite and the service they provide to the mid-north coast community. The acquisition of BBV is structured as an initial cash payment of $1.445 million, with further deferred payments linked to incentive criteria in 12 and 24 months with a total maximum purchase consideration of $1.7M.

As part of the merger, Veronica Bruce, Director at BBV, will join Victoria Studley and Hilary Acheson as a Principal and shareholder at Unite. Ms Bruce will also become a financial adviser within Count Financial’s national advice community.

Matthew Rowe, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of CountPlus, said the merger was an example of the opportunities that come from the ‘Owner, Driver – Partner’ model which then leads to positive client outcomes.

“The acquisition and merger of Unite and BBV is another example of how we identify and invest in quality people and businesses. The existing clients of Unite and BBV will have access to a larger team with substantial experience in accounting and financial advice services. Both businesses understand the unique challenges faced by people in the mid-north coast and will come together to continue meeting those needs.”

Victoria Studley, Managing Director at Unite, said the merger would be a good cultural fit for the business that also bolsters the services available to clients in their community.  

“BBV is a quality practice that has always focused on developing lasting partnerships with their clients. We are excited to bring our businesses together and continue our ‘grow with certainty’ philosophy.”