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Berkshire Partners backs Harbourfront in $1.8B deal

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Berkshire Partners has signed a deal to inject capital into Harbourfront Wealth Group, the Vancouver‑based wealth manager. The transaction values the firm at C$1.775 billion, marking one of the larger private‑equity bets in Canada’s financial services sector this year. Completion is slated for the second half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. The capital will fund client acquisition and technology upgrades.

Audax Private Equity, Harbourfront’s original backer since its 2022 entry, will retain a sizable share after the new infusion. Maintaining its stake signals confidence in the firm’s growth platform, which blends advisory services with technology‑driven portfolio tools. It also positions Harbourfront to launch tiers for wealthy clients. The continued partnership may help Harbourfront scale beyond its West Coast stronghold into broader North American markets.

The deal adds Berkshire Partners to a growing list of U.S. firms targeting Canadian asset managers, a trend driven by favourable regulatory environments and rising demand for personalized wealth solutions. With a valuation near C$1.8 billion, the transaction could set a benchmark for future cross‑border investments, reinforcing Vancouver’s emergence as a fintech hub. Investors will watch as the deal tests U.S. capital integration with Canadian rules.