Stockbroker WH Ireland has said it will consider further opportunities for growth in the private banking sector, following its announcement that it will buy the former private wealth management business of troubled broker Seymour Pierce.

The London-based stockbroker and investment management firm, which has worked in recent years to expand its business beyond its established strength as a traditional stockbroker, yesterday said it acquired the private wealth management business and related assets of Seymour Pierce, now known as Tenebris Realisations.