Opera Group Ltd, a privately-held group of private client, corporate and fund administration businesses based in Guernsey, has announced plans to acquire Bermudian-based Meritus Trust Co Ltd, pending regulatory approval.

The deal marks Opera’s fifth acquisition and its first in Bermuda, strengthening its foothold in the West Atlantic region and expanding its focus on serving ultra-high-net-worth families with transatlantic and global wealth footprints.

Founded in 2010, Meritus provides fiduciary services to international families and multinational corporations, drawing on the expertise of some of Bermuda’s leading trust, legal and accounting professionals. According to a press release, the firm is widely regarded as one of the island’s most respected private wealth companies, known for its focus on family legacy and responsible growth.

The transaction forms part of Project Overture, Opera’s five-year transformation plan centred on operational excellence, sustainable growth and expansion into key global markets. Opera’s majority shareholder is Pula, the family office of Stephen Lansdown, with additional backing from Sealyham, the family office of Tom Scott.

Kim Sgarlata, group chief executive and executive director of Opera, said the merger reflects a shared commitment to long-term, values-led growth.

“Opera was created to build a values-led group with long-term capital, where people come first and alignment matters,” she said. “Our partnership with Meritus reflects that vision — their team and ethos align strongly with ours, and we’re proud to be building this next chapter together.”

Michelle Wolfe, chairman and founding partner of Meritus, said joining Opera will help the firm continue its mission of ensuring trust and continuity across generations.

“Our goal has always been to honour the past while building momentum for tomorrow,” Ms Wolfe said. “In Opera, we’ve found a partner who understands both the responsibility and opportunity of that vision.”

Opera’s previous acquisitions include Accuro (pending approval), Amber Trust Ltd (now Oak Bahamas), HFL Ltd and Oak Group. Once the Meritus and Accuro deals are completed, Opera will operate in eight jurisdictions — Bermuda, Geneva, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, London, Mauritius and the Bahamas — with combined assets under administration exceeding $71.6 billion.

Wyvern Partners acted as introducer for the transaction.