Count buys 75% stake in Skybridge for $66M
Key points
- Count signed a binding agreement to buy an initial 75% majority stake in Skybridge Financial, which has an enterprise value of $66 million.
- The company will pay $25.6 million in upfront cash, $4 million in scrip, and up to $9.1 million in conditional future payments.
- The acquisition expands Count's accounting and wealth network by adding 82 accountants, 13 advisers, and $1.4 billion in funds under advice.
Count (ASX:CUP) has signed a binding agreement to acquire a 75% majority interest in Skybridge Financial at an enterprise valuation of $66 million.
The deal brings in Skybridge's $29 million in revenue and $8.8 million in normalised EBITA for FY2026, offering higher profit margins than Count's current 22.2% baseline.
"This investment is tightly aligned to Count Group’s strategy of growing our participation in the advisory value chain through disciplined investment in quality equity partnerships," said Count CEO Hugh Humphrey.
Under the terms of the agreement, Count will provide $25.6 million in upfront cash, $4 million in scrip, and up to $9.1 million in deferred earn-out consideration.
The company stated that the transaction is expected to deliver mid- to high-single-digit EPS accretion on a FY2027 pro forma basis.
Following the announcement, the Count share price was $1.66.
Skybridge currently delivers financial planning, taxation, and bookkeeping services across 16 locations in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
The firm adds 82 accountants, 13 financial advisers, and $1.4 billion of funds under advice to Count's national network.
