Weekly Wrap: A week of deals

There’s no doubt that Wednesday’s deal between St Laurence and Dorchester was a stunner. Very few people would have predicted that the two would enter a relationship which has all the hallmarks of turning into a full-blown marriage (with possibly a few jilted lovers and former partners around too).

I comment some more on this deal in Phil’s Blog – but the key message is that people have to rethink about who Dorchester is and where it is going.

Karma between Dorchester and St Laurence It’s not often I get shocked by an announcement in this industry of ours. But yesterday’s deal between St Laurence and Dorchester is a show-stopper. [more]

The other significant story is that MFS has gobbled up another firm. This time it is Swains which Northplan (Vestar) already had a 20% stake in. It is a trend we discuss in the April issue of ASSET Magazine.

Monday is not quite April Fools’ Day, but it is no joke for advisers. The new tax rules for offshore investments kick in then and it is clear there is still a heck of a lot to learn about these rules.