Perspective Financial Group has acquired Gateshead-based IFA practice Vivienne Shepherd Limited.

The firm now becomes part of the national IFA group’s Newcastle office, Rutherford Wilkinson.

Vivienne Shepherd will remain as a trading style of the business.

One member of staff, Owen McDowell, from Vivienne Shepherd Ltd will be joining Rutherford Wilkinson as part of the deal to ensure ongoing continuity for clients. Owner-manager, Vivienne Shepherd, will de-authorise but will remain involved in introducing clients with assets under management totalling over £22 million to Rutherford Wilkinson over the next 12 months.

Perspective worked with IFA sale advisers, Brokers4sale, on the Vivienne Shepherd deal through its managing director, Gary Medcraff.

Damian Keeling, managing director of Perspective Financial Group, said: “The purchase of Vivienne Shepherd Ltd kicks off our acquisition activity for 2012. The Rutherford Wilkinson team in Newcastle has already successfully integrated other practices into their office with the recent acquisition of Walter Wright Financial Services. Part of the Vivienne Shepherd deal is the transfer of Owen McDowell to Rutherford Wilkinson which ensures ongoing continuity for its clients.