Luxembourg, 8th August 2024: Centralis Group (Centralis), a global leading alternative asset and corporate services provider, today announced its acquisition of Oakford Advisors (Oakford). Centralis partners with alternative investment firms and corporate organisations providing administrative, global expansion and governance solutions tailored to each clients’ unique needs. The Group has established itself as an industry leader providing a customer centric tailored service via over 350+ highly experienced professionals. The Group is headquartered in Luxembourg, with presence in 12 countries and 16 locations globally.
Oakford, which was founded in 2017, is a growing outsourced service provider based in multiple locations in the UK. Oakford provides specialist services focussed on alternative fund clients, primarily these being hedge funds, private equity & real estate structures; aligning with Centralis’ existing service offering. Oakford clients and team will also have the benefit of accessing the existing and growing Centralis global service capabilities.
The acquisition will significantly broaden Centralis’ presence within this important market, with 40 employees joining from Oakford, resulting in Centralis becoming the leading UK alternative asset manager outsourced service provider with >100 employees. Oakford has a reputation for high quality of service, personalised approach and deep expertise, dovetailing with Centralis’ ‘client first’ approach and culture.
Aidan Foley, CEO of Centralis Group commented “It is with great pleasure that I welcome the wider Oakford team to the Centralis Group. With this new acquisition, Centralis are poised to further elevate our service expertise & capabilities; thereby solidifying our position as one of the premier leaders in alternative funds outsourced solutions, and UK leader in outsourced services to the asset manager community.”
Adam Hewitson, UK Country Head, commented “I am delighted that the team from Oakford are joining the global Centralis Group. Their focus on high-quality client service and delivery aligns with our own, and I am looking forward to working with Jeremy, Adam and their wider team as we broaden and enhance our service to our current clients, as well as work together on new opportunities.”
Jeremy Whetter, Oakford Managing Director commented: “We are extremely excited to join the Centralis Group. I am incredibly proud of what the Oakford team has achieved in the last 7 years, the growth of the brand and reputation within the sector, and the consistently high levels of client service we have delivered. We look forward to joining with Centralis for the next stage of the journey, and their global offering and broader scope of services will expand and compliment the outsourced business services we provide to our existing clients. Our businesses share a passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and client service, and culturally there is an excellent fit, and combined, we believe we are very well placed as an organisation for future business opportunities.”
Mazars (UK) acted as financial and tax advisor to Centralis, and Taylor Wessing served as legal counsel.
James Cowper acted as M&A advisor to Oakford, and Freeths served as legal counsel.