Forsyth Barr has acquired Hawke’s Bay investment advisory and management services business SP Investment Group.
The business, founded by Hawke’s Bay born and raised Stuart Pearse, will become part of Forsyth Barr’s Hastings office on 1 November with Stuart continuing in his role as an investment adviser.
Forsyth Barr Managing Director Neil Paviour-Smith said the company is excited to have someone of Stuart’s calibre and experience joining the Hawke’s Bay team and looks forward to welcoming his existing clients to the firm.
“Stuart has a wealth of experience in value investing and investment management. He has built a strong business in Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa, and we know his clients will continue to benefit from Stuart’s portfolio management skills, backed by the expertise and breadth of Forsyth Barr,” he said.
With offices in Napier and Hastings, Forsyth Barr’s Hawke’s Bay team has seven investment advisers. The company supports significant events in the region, including the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction and the Hawke’s Bay Sports Awards.
Stuart’s professional background includes 12 years working for the Bank of New Zealand across agribusiness credit-risk and investment portfolio management roles. In addition, he has worked in investment banking in the United Kingdom and sharebroking in New Zealand. Stuart has consulted to boards and investors on investment policy and portfolio management.
Stuart is chair of the MF Greenwood Charitable Trust and a trustee for Percy Storkey Memorial VC Trust and Napier Boys High School Charitable Trust. He is married to Jacqui and together they have three children. Stuart holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce (VFM) from Lincoln University and the NZX Diploma.
