St. James's Place plc (LSE:STJ) has held discussions with Harvest Financial Advisors LLC as it weighs opportunities to expand in Ireland. Harvest had been in advanced talks to be acquired by Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland Ltd. in 2016, until they fell through in September 2016.

It is understood that Davy Asset Management Limited and the Irish unit of Investec Bank Limited had also looked at Harvest in recent years, with industry sources pointing to a value of as much as €10 million on the business. Sources told The Irish Times that Harvest has held exploratory discussions with St James's Place in recent months about a link-up, which could include anything from the appointment of Harvest as a local sales agent for its products to a partnership or acquisition. A spokesman for St James's Place in Cirencester, Gloucestershire said the company “doesn't comment on rumors or speculation”.

Directors at Harvest didn't respond to calls to their office seeking comment.