Cambridge Investment Research has taken another step to strengthen its advisor succession framework, acquiring WealthPlanners, LLC as part of its ongoing push to support long-term business continuity.
The transaction brings the Des Plaines, Illinois-based firm with close to $800 million in managed assets further into Cambridge’s ecosystem. WealthPlanners has been affiliated with Cambridge since 2010, operating as a collaborative, growth-focused team.
The move aligns with Cambridge’s broader strategy of acting as a buyer to help advisors transition their businesses while maintaining client relationships. The firm has increasingly leaned on employed advisors to ensure continuity when ownership changes, aiming to preserve the consistency clients expect.
Last year, the firm crossed $2 billion in annual revenue for the first time amid its strong push in recruitment and M&A.
Following the acquisition, WealthPlanners will be integrated into a growing group of employed advisors within Cambridge.
The newly branded Cambridge WealthPlanners includes seven advisors and additional staff, collectively overseeing more than $1 billion in assets. Former owner Denny Gustin-Piazza will remain at the helm, tasked with leading the team’s next phase of expansion.
“Cambridge has always had an advisor-first approach in how we design our solutions,” said Jeff Vivacqua, President of Growth and Development at Cambridge. “The acquisition of WealthPlanners reflects the thoughtful evolution of our continuity and succession solutions that began with our founder, Eric Schwartz, more than 20 years ago. Cambridge brings the delivery of advice, leadership, and resources to the table, while staying true to the values that are key to both firms.”
Cambridge positions its succession platform as flexible, offering multiple pathways depending on an advisor’s needs. These range from contingency planning tools such as Continuity Express, to consulting and financing support for advisor-to-advisor transitions, and direct acquisition options through Cambridge Capital Solutions and BridgePort Financial Solutions for fee-based practices.
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