Count Limited (ASX: CUP) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Oracle Group, a provider of financial advice, accounting and investment management services, as it accelerates its strategy to build a leading integrated wealth and accounting platform.

Oracle Group operates a scaled, multi-office network of 14 locations across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland employing 22 financial advisers and 29 accountants, managing approximately $0.8 billion in funds under management and $1.8 billion in funds under advice. 

The business generated $26.4 million in revenue and $8.6 million of EBITA in FY25, with EBITA forecast to increase to approximately $10.0 million in FY26, reflecting the strength and scalability of the platform.

The acquisition significantly enhances the scale of Count’s Wealth segment, lifting its contribution to approximately 59% of pro forma 1H FY26 EBITA, up from around 46%, and further accelerates Count’s strategy to have financial planning revenues represent 50% of Equity Partnership revenues.

The transaction is expected to be low double-digit EPS accretive on a FY26 pro forma basis and will lift Count’s Wealth segment contribution to around 59% of EBITA, accelerating the group’s shift toward higher-margin, recurring advice revenues.

Highlights of the transaction

• The transaction positions Count to build on its momentum by leveraging increased scale, capability and geographic reach to support advisers and clients over the long term.
• Oracle Group’s established, multi-office model provides a scalable foundation to support continued expansion of Count’s national advice footprint.
• The acquisition strengthens Count’s platform for future growth, enhancing its ability to selectively pursue and integrate further financial planning acquisitions.
• The transaction values Oracle Group at an enterprise value of approximately $72 million with completion subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Count Chief Executive Officer Hugh Humphrey said the transaction builds on the company’s momentum in executing its long-term growth strategy.

“This acquisition reflects the momentum we have built in expanding our advice offering and strengthens our presence across the east coast,” Mr Humphrey said.

“It accelerates our shift toward higher-quality, recurring wealth revenues and supports our ambition to scale our employed adviser network and build a truly differentiated national advice platform.”

Oracle Group Founder and Managing Director, Peter Durbin, said: “We are excited about this transaction and the opportunity it creates to accelerate Oracle Group’s next phase of growth. Count is a strong strategic partner with the scale, capability and shared values to support our advisers and clients well into the future.”

Count will fund the acquisition through a combination of a fully underwritten institutional placement, scrip consideration issued to Oracle Group shareholders and a new debt facility. Following completion, the group expects to retain a strong balance sheet.

Between signing and completion, Oracle Group will continue to operate on a business-as-usual basis, with a continued focus on adviser and client continuity.