A MANAGEMENT buyout heralds an 'exciting future' for a leading financial planning firm.

Ron Walker, founder of Clarion Wealth Planning, has sold 60 per cent of his shareholding in the Alderley Edge-based practice to the existing management team, led by John Winstanley.

The deal takes place 39 years after the pioneer of fee-based financial planning in the UK founded the firm and will see him stay on for at least five more years.

READ > Knutsford pub with luxury bedrooms The Freemasons Inn on sale for £2m

Chairman Keith Thompson will also remain for the foreseeable future.

Since its inception, Clarion has been family-owned, with Mr Walker and other members of the family owning shares.

The current management team of John Winstanley, Adam Wareing, Matt Sherratt and Alistair Cartwright has now taken a majority 60 per cent share as the practice enters an exciting new period.

The firm says this move ensures the company remains independently managed and will not be absorbed by a consolidator.

Mr Walker said: “My goal was to build a financial planning firm that was commercially successful but compassionate and holistic.

“I believe that with the help of my fantastic team, that goal has been achieved.”

Ron was a founding member of the Institute of Financial Planning, now part of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)).

“Many of our clients have worked with us across multiple decades and multiple generations, and we’re honoured to have been trusted by so many for so long,” he added.

“Going forward, Clarion will remain in the hands of those who have played an integral role in growing and nurturing the business into what it is today.

“Clients can trust that our commitment to excellence and care will continue and that their relationship with Clarion and their financial planner will remain.”

As the firm looks to the future, the change is part of a carefully considered strategy to ensure the continued success and stability of the business and the service it offers to more than 350 clients across the UK.

John Winstanley said: “Our commitment to delivering the highest level of service remains unchanged.

“Ron will continue to work with Clarion over the next five years to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

“Beyond that period, our ethos, values, and commitment to the ‘Clarion Way’ will remain unwavering.”

The firm was initially based in Knutsford before moving to its current location in Alderley Edge.