CompaniesMar 29 2017

Embark buys DFM research provider

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Embark buys DFM research provider

Pensions provider Embark Group has purchased DFM research firm Discus, marking the second takeover of a data company in less than four months.

Embark is the parent group of research provider the Adviser Centre, which will now incorporate research from Discus into its own offering.

Discus is an online business that provides analysis on discretionary propositions.

According to Embark, these businesses have a common ground in that they are focused on helping financial adviser choose appropriate investment solutions at no cost. 

At the start of this year, Embark announced it had acquired research rival Scopic Research, which provides analysis on multi-asset and multi-manager investments.

Phil Smith, chief executive of Embark, said the acquisition showed the group is commited to building a portfolio of investment research.

“Embark is positioned to deliver an extensive range of research services to financial advisers, covering the full breadth of investment options,” he said.

The acquisition has completed and takes immediate effect.

Gillian Hepburn, founding director of Discus, said the acquisition is an acknowledgement of the value of what Discus delivers. 

She said her firm now has access to extra resources from the Embark Group which means it can continue to offer research and events for financial advisers.

katherine.denham@ft.com