Rebranded Count cracks $100 million revenue mark following acquisitions
Australian accounting and wealth advisory network Count – previously CountPlus – has achieved 22 percent growth over the past year to push its revenues well beyond the $100 million mark.
Driven in part by the firm’s recent acquisition spree – including that of Diverger – Count’s members across Australia last year brought in collective revenues of circa $112 million, up from $91.5 million during the previous financial period.
The accelerated growth, up from 7 percent the year prior, and 15 completed transactions were just one aspect of what was a particularly busy year for Count, with the firm also undertaking a brand refresh and unification exercise.
“It has been a transformative year for Count,” chief executive Hugh Humphrey said of the annual results. “Our disciplined execution against clear strategic priorities has positioned the company as a leader in the Australian financial services landscape, and as we approach our 45th year of serving our clients we’re excited to have such a strong platform to build upon.”
Count is made up of a growing mix of services firms, equity partnerships, and hundreds of wealth management licensees, placing it in the country’s top twenty largest accounting organisations with more than 1,100 accountants and financial advisers and almost $35 billion in funds under advice – the latter figure getting a significant boost with the $46 million acquisition of Diverger in March.
Humphrey described the purchase as one of Count’s most significant milestones in the company’s 44-year history, stating; “The successful completion of this transaction elevated Count to become the second-largest wealth management advice firm in Australia, reinforcing our commitment to growth and ensuring more Australians have access to quality financial services.”
Other full or part acquisitions over the past year include investments into Bruce Edmunds & Associates in Victoria, JGA on the Gold Coast, and India-based offshore SMSF services provider Solutions Centric, while Adelaide-based member firm Crosby Dalwood merged with Warnecke & Co and took on the Count name – one of four partners to do so following the firm’s rebranding.
“We’re incredibly pleased our shareholders endorsed our transformation to a single, strong brand focused on making a positive difference for our clients and investors,” Humphrey said at the time. “Our company name change, brand transformation and new value proposition give our clients greater certainty about our offering, providing them with the confidence to look ahead.”
