Count takes 30% stake in Brisbane advice firm

Count has agreed to acquire a 30% stake in Brisbane-based accounting and financial advice firm Apiary Financial, continuing its push to expand its equity partnership network while reporting stronger first-quarter earnings.

The investment will see Count take a minority interest in the business, with Apiary principals Scott McDonald and Craig Dobbs retaining a combined 70% stake and continuing to lead its operations.

The transaction is expected to complete on December 1, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

Apiary generated $3.5 million in revenue in FY26 and already operates under Count Financials' AFSL. The partnership is intended to support the firm's expansion plans, including potential bolt-on acquisitions and the extension of financial advice services to its existing accounting clients.

Count chief executive Hugh Humphrey said the investment would provide the principals with additional capital and support to pursue growth.

"Apiary is a strong, growing business that is well aligned with the group's strategy. Our initial investment provides Scott and Craig with the support and capital to accelerate their growth ambitions, while creating a clear pathway for Count to increase its investment as the business grows and our partnership develops," Humphrey said.

The announcement follows several transactions recently completed by Count, including its acquisition of Oracle Group, rebranded as Count Wealth, and an equity partnership investment in Tailored Lifetime Solutions.

Separately, Count reported a strong start to the new financial year, with first-quarter revenue rising 23.2% to $52.1 million compared with the prior corresponding period.

Underlying earnings before interest, tax and amortisation increased 66.6% to $12.7 million, lifting the margin to 24.5% from 18.1% a year earlier.

Funds under management reached $6.7 billion at September 30, up 31.3% year on year, reflecting client growth, net inflows and market movements.

Humphrey said the integration of the Oracle businesses was progressing as planned, with targeted annualised cost synergies increasing to $1.25 million within 24 months of completion.