17 November 2008

Brewin Dolphin, the UK’s largest independent private client investment manager has announced that its Scottish division, Bell Lawrie, is to adopt the Brewin Dolphin name from March 2009.

Brewin Dolphin manages approximately £20 billion of funds for more than 130,000 clients, across 39 offices nationwide. It is also one of the country’s most respected investment bankers to small and mid-cap companies. Bell Lawrie joined the Brewin Dolphin Group in 1993 and is one of the best known names in stock broking in Scotland, with a heritage dating back to 1841. 

Under the Brewin Dolphin name, all seven of the Scottish offices will continue to provide investment management for private clients, advice on pensions, inheritance tax mitigation, offshore bonds and other aspects of clients’ sometimes complex financial planning requirements. The offices will continue to build on their existing skills base, heritage and values by further harnessing the profile, kudos and expertise afforded by being part of the wider Brewin Dolphin network. 

Brewin Dolphin Chairman Jamie Matheson commented, “We feel that it is important for the future growth and prosperity of our business that we are consistent in how we present ourselves. In the last year we have adopted the Brewin Dolphin name in our offices in the North East, Midlands and Northern Ireland as well as nationally in our Investment Banking division. Brewin Dolphin is the UK’s largest independent private client investment manager and is a strong, successful business and by bringing all offices under one banner we feel we can strengthen the brand further.”

Henry Algeo will remain as Regional Managing Director of the seven Scottish offices, along with Brewin Dolphin in Belfast which took the Brewin Dolphin name earlier this year.  Henry said, “One of our company’s great strengths is the independence of our offices and investment managers and this will remain central to our business.  For our clients it remains business as usual at a branch level and each office will retain its local autonomy. 

“As the company evolves this move provides us with an ideal platform to expand our business in Scotland even further.  Moving forward under the new name we will be able to harness the additional strengths this brings, allowing clients and colleagues to benefit from the range of expertise available throughout the Group.”

For further information please call:
Charlotte Black Director, Group Corporate Affairs, on 0845 213 3331
Bryan Johnston, Senior Divisional Director at Bell Lawrie on 0845 213 2040
For further media information or photography please contact Viv Blair or Susie Fraser at Smarts on 0131 561 0401.