Stonebridge parent company acquired by BetterHome Group
Mortgage Support Services Ltd (MSS), the parent company of Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions, has been acquired by BetterHome Group.
Despite coming under the same ownership, Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions and HLPartnership – after the latter’s acquisition in 2024 – will continue to operate independently, retaining their existing brands, propositions and cultures.
BetterHome Group said it sees value in the distinct strengths of both networks and does not plan to combine their operations.
The deal, which remains subject to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) change in control approval, has been said to support the future growth of MSS and Stonebridge through additional investment in areas such as technology, services and adviser support.
BetterHome Group said the acquisition underlines its ongoing commitment to the UK mortgage market and will provide Stonebridge and the wider MSS group with access to greater resources and expertise as they continue to develop their offering.
Rudi Botha (pictured), group CEO of BetterHome Group, said: “When BetterHome Group invested in Josewin, the parent of HLPartnership, in 2024, it was driven by our belief in the strength of the UK mortgage market and in the power of partnership. We saw a strong alignment of values and a shared ambition to support successful mortgage and protection businesses for the long term.
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“The agreement to acquire MSS is the next step in that journey. MSS is a strong and well-respected business, with talented people, an established proposition and trusted relationships with its member firms and partners. We have great respect for what Rob Clifford and his colleagues have built and for the culture and commitment to members that make Stonebridge distinctive.
“Our ambition is to support MSS in the next phase of its growth, building on the strengths of the business and the strategy already in place. An important part of that is creating the right environment for member firms to grow their businesses and continue delivering for their customers.”
Rob Clifford, chief executive of Stonebridge, commented: “Having led MSS’ acquisition of Stonebridge in 2015 and been its chief executive since 2019, it was of great personal importance to me that we selected the very best partner for the next phase of our growth journey.
“In BetterHome, we have a new parent, which has decades of experience in the mortgage sector, understands the importance of the relationships we have built with our member firms and partners, and fully supports our strategy.
“The BetterHome team recognised the strength of the MSS family of businesses and has bought into the strategy that has delivered our sector-leading growth. This is a great fit and a significant vote of confidence in the business.
“I’m excited about the future and greatly looking forward to continuing to lead the business as part of BetterHome Group.”
