History
Principal was founded in 1987 out of the investment arm of PPP Healthcare to provide an independent private client portfolio management service, and has established a reputation for professionalism and service excellence. We have grown steadily and consistently through personal recommendations, referrals and the acquisition of like-minded investment management firms.
In March 2008 we became a member of the Sanlam Group. Sanlam is a leading South African financial services business, listed on the Johannesburg and Namibian stock exchanges.
As well as providing the backing of a large financial services operation, with over R490 billion (c£45 billion) of assets under management (as at 31 December 2010), Sanlam's involvement allows Principal to enhance its investment service to existing clients and introducers, whilst maintaining the high level of personal service on which the business has been built.
More information about Sanlam is available at http://www.sanlam.co.za. 
Recent developments
In January 2011, Principal acquired Border Asset Management, one of the North of England's leading investment specialists. To read more about this exciting development, please click to view the press release announcement.
The combined business manages circa £1.5 billion of assets on behalf of its clients and operates from offices in London, Sevenoaks and Bath and from Border's existing offices in Kirkby Lonsdale and Harrogate.