Deal creates wealth and capital markets firm with $41.8B in client assets under advice
Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. has announced the completion of a deal to expand its international footprint through the acquisition of an established Australian financial services business.
The Canadian firm has finalized a share sale agreement to acquire 100% of Wilsons Advisory, a move that significantly amplifies the firm's presence in the Australian wealth management and capital markets arena.
Founded in 1895, Wilsons boasts a nationwide footprint and strong capabilities in both wealth management and capital markets, with net revenue for the year ended June 30, 2025, of AU$81 million (approx. C$72M) and oversaw AU$16.7 billion (approx. C$14.8B) in assets under advice, of which AU$7.1 billion (approx. C$6.3B) are fee-based assets.
The acquisition positions the combined entity to emerge as one of Australia’s leading integrated firms. Together, the two firms will hold approximately AU$17.0 billion (approx. C$15.2B) in fee-generating client assets and AU$41.8 billion (approx. C$37.3B) in total assets under advice.
The unified capital markets division will deliver “comprehensive corporate financing and advisory services for emerging and established companies across key sectors including industrials, healthcare, technology, and natural resources,” reinforced by research coverage of over 250 companies and a robust schedule of premier Australian investor conferences.
“Our acquisition of Wilsons positions Canaccord Genuity Australia as one of the leading integrated wealth management and capital markets firms in Australia, differentiated by scale, deep local expertise and global reach, and we look forward to bringing our teams together,” said Marcus Freeman, CEO of Canaccord Genuity Australia. “By uniting our complementary strengths and increasing the scale of our operations, we expect to substantially enhance our value proposition and product suite for our wealth management and capital markets clients.”
Once complete, Wilsons' professionals and clients will benefit from joining a larger, more integrated wealth management and capital markets business with deeper resources and a firm commitment to supporting long-term success. Senior management from Wilsons will remain significantly involved in the combined business going forward.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions, with closing expected in the second half of calendar 2025.
