25 October 2007

Left-right: Steven Pine and Ian Larthe de Langladure of Bristol-based Crest, Ray Mills - Regional Manager of Thinc Group and Bridget Juckes - Head of Business Services at Wards.

Crest ‘Thincs’ ahead to future growth

Steven Pine and Ian Larthe de Langladure of Bristol-based Crest Independent Financial Advisers have transferred their business to national financial services provider, Thinc Group. Bridget Juckes, Head of Business Services at Wards Solicitors acted for the owners of Crest in the transfer of the business, its assets and goodwill to Thinc.

Steven Pine comments: “We chose Thinc Group because it provides Crest with the advantages of scale and the support of a larger, national organisation, whilst allowing us to maintain autonomy and continuity locally, thus enabling us to serve the needs of our clients better”.

Thinc Group was formed in early 2000, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA and now advises over 250,000 clients. Its reputation is for providing high quality face-to-face advice on all aspects of finance, including financial planning, mortgages and commercial finance.

Ray Mills, Regional Manager of Thinc Group adds: “Crest was founded by Steven and his father in 1991 and has developed a strong reputation locally for personal service combined with technical expertise. Thinc were looking for a credible partner in Bristol and we are delighted to have Steven and Ian on board”.

Bridget Juckes comments: ”The deal went smoothly and all parties are delighted with the outcome. Steven and Ian remain closely involved with the day-to-day management of the business and dealings with clients, all staff have been transferred, clients informed and Crest remains in its current premises in Queen Charlotte Street”.