NFP announced that its unit Ground Control Business Management has expanded into the UK through its acquisition of Clay GBP Ltd., a UK-based business management firm.
The company said it is planning to integrate Clay GBP into Ground Control’s operations and rebrand it under the Ground Control name. Ground Control serves high-net-worth individuals, entertainment industry executives, entertainers and professional athletes, among others.
Clay GBP partners Richard Smethurst, Nick Parkinson, Bhavini Ratan, Ian Bailey, James Plumbly, Jasdeep Sami, and Philip Hampson will join Ground Control as managing directors and report to Chris Bucci, CEO of Ground Control.
"After partnering with Clay GBP for years, we're thrilled to welcome their team to NFP and expand our broad range of specialized business services internationally," said Bucci. "Ground Control was started as a traditional US entertainment business management firm, and with our clients' global needs growing, it made sense to add Clay GBP's tax and accounting expertise to our capabilities. Clay GBP's mission – which focuses on building relationships based on understanding and trust – aligns well with ours, and we look forward to collaborating for the benefit of our existing clients and the broader industry."
Founded in 2014, Clay GBP is a business management consultancy providing accounting, taxation, and business advisory services with offices in London and the Midlands. The firm serves high-net-worth clients, including those in the sports, media, and entertainment industries. Its services cover various financial management aspects, including bookkeeping, bill payment, tax preparation and planning, and coordination of estate planning, wealth management, and insurance services through external providers.
"We couldn't be happier to join NFP and become part of Ground Control, one of the most prominent firms in the business management services industry," said Smethurst and Parkinson in a joint statement. "NFP's breadth of expertise and capabilities across risk, human capital, wealth, and retirement will give us an upleveled approach to client relations and offerings for the UK. We're honored to be a part of Ground Control's international expansion and bring US-style business management services to the UK market."
In 2024, Aon has acquired NFP from funds affiliated with Madison Dearborn Partners and HPS Investment Partners. NFP operates as an independent and connected risk capital and human capital capabilities platform.
During that acquisition, NFP CEO Doug Hammond said that the completion of the transaction serves as the start of an exciting chapter for NFP.
“Aon’s diverse resources and global reach enhance our ability to serve the dynamic risk, workforce, wealth management and retirement needs of our clients,” Hammond said then.
