The deal with Midas Capital Partners and Invesco Perpetual sees the Manchester-based company gain £14m of investment, the overall worth of the company is believed to be in the region of £78m.
Six other shareholders gained a £5m from the deal which also saw Jim Martin, formerly of N Brown, join the company.
Mr Bell, who employs about 180 staff, told the Manchester Evening News that he was exploring options for the future, with a float on AIM ‘pencilled in’.
“It would not be a capital-raising exercise but to realise value for the shareholders," he said.
“Jim Martin's experience in growing a business will prove invaluable in helping us truly unlock our potential.”
Simon Edwards, chief executive of Midas Capital Partners, said: “A J Bell's record is very impressive.
“With consistent year-on-year double-digit growth, its cash generation and progressive dividend policy underpin the potential for further significant growth.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
