Two national financial services businesses have merged to create a $64 billion diversified firm with more than 500 staff, striving to become “Australia’s trusted home for great advice”.

Count has indicated the Diverger acquisition will not be its last as chief executive, Hugh Humphrey, says the firm has sufficient “firepower” to make more in the future.

The diversified financial services group has entered a $2 million purchase agreement to acquire 100 per cent of a financial advice network owned by Insignia Financial.

Two firms have joined forces to acquire Australian Unity’s financial advice business, which includes 18 advisers alongside its corporate superannuation services business.

Sequoia has agreed to acquire two advice firms for $3.15 million, one of several deals made by the firm in 2023.

Speaking to Money Management, AZ Next Generation Advisory’s chief executive Paul Barrett has outlined the firm’s plans to quadruple its size to become Australia’s leading professional services company, having already completed 14 M&A transactions this year.