Hargreaves Lansdown, one of the West Country's largest financial firms, has accepted a £5.4bn takeover bid from a consortium of private equity investors including CVC, Nordic Capital, and Platinum Ivy, owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Despite previous underinvestment and competitive challenges, the consortium plans substantial investment in technology and service enhancements to drive growth. The deal, which offers shareholders 1,140 pence per share in cash and dividends, is expected to be finalized in early 2025. The consortium has committed to maintaining the company's headquarters in Bristol. Founders Peter Hargreaves and Stephen Lansdown, who collectively own a significant stake, support the bid.