AGS Expands Through Hartley Financial Acquisition
AGS Financial Group, a Sydney-based financial planning and accounting firm, has completed the full acquisition of Hartley Financial, expanding its footprint across two New South Wales offices and one Melbourne location. The deal is expected to contribute approximately $2.6 million in annual revenue to the firm’s operations.
Deal Details and Geographic Expansion
The acquisition brings Hartley’s offices in Picton, Sutherland and Parkdale under the AGS umbrella, complementing the existing network in North Sydney, Norwest, Hurstville, Miranda, South Melbourne and Brisbane. By adding these sites, the combined entity now operates nine offices across two states and Victoria.
AGS, an authorised representative of Akumin Financial Planning, emphasized that the move supports its strategy to grow geographically and attract new talent amid a tight supply of financial planners.
According to the company statement, Hartley’s integration aligns with the group’s operational model, which combines financial planning, taxation, accounting, mortgages and lending under one roof. This structural similarity was a key factor in the decision, as CEO Paul Bolstad noted that Hartley’s approach required no changes to function effectively within the firm’s framework.
Rationale in a Competitive Market
The acquisition provides Hartley’s clients with expanded access to retirement planning, wills, estate planning, aged-care advice and insurance services. Bolstad said clients value advisers who understand their local communities while also benefiting from the depth of services a larger group can offer, including tax returns, mortgages and retirement plans.
Co-founder and director Alex Berlee explained that the primary gain was geographic presence, as the firm had existing contacts in the regions but lacked local offices. He also noted the broader industry challenge: fewer financial planners exist compared to previous years, yet client demand remains strong, a trend influenced by the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, which tightened education and professional standards for advisers.
The company grows advisers internally but views the Hartley acquisition as a means to accelerate team growth through an established business with existing clients and professionals. Berlee concluded that acquiring businesses with proven people and client bases allows the group to enhance its advising team more efficiently.
Integration and Continuity
The transition emphasizes continuity, with adviser, broker and accountant relationships expected to remain unchanged. Existing phone numbers, offices, files and client engagements will also stay consistent, according to Bolstad.
Hartley founder David Hartley will remain involved during integration, though his role after full consolidation remains undetermined.
