EP Wealth, Apollon unveil latest acquisitions

EP Wealth, Apollon unveil latest acquisitions
$30 billion RIA EP Wealth is deepening its Denver presence while Apollon debuts in New York with a storied 160-year-old firm.
MAR 04, 2025

EP Wealth Advisors and Apollon Wealth Management have announced acquisitions that expand their reach, with EP Wealth strengthening its Colorado presence and Apollon entering New York.

EP Wealth deepens Denver presence

EP Wealth Advisors announced Tuesday that it has acquired The Holben Group, a Denver-based RIA managing more than $190 million in assets. The deal expands EP Wealth’s footprint in Colorado, where it first grew beyond its California headquarters.

“The Holben Group team shares the values and vision that have been core to EP Wealth,” Ryan Parker, CEO of EP Wealth said in a statement Tuesday. “They are a welcome addition and will enable us to serve even more families in the region.”

Founded in 2006, The Holben Group provides financial planning and investment management services, including to first responders. Founder Jeffrey Holben and advisor Clinton Demming will join EP Wealth as vice presidents and partners, while Patricia Parker will become a wealth advisor.

“Partnering with EP Wealth enhances our offerings and allows us to deepen our client-first approach,” Holben said.

This marks EP Wealth’s second deal of 2025, following its early February acquisition of Criterion Capital Advisors in Nashville. Prior to that, it unlocked the Michigan market by adding Executive Wealth Management in January, which also pushed EP Wealth's AUM past $31 billion.

Apollon expands to New York

Meanwhile, Apollon Wealth Management expanded in the Northeast with the acquisition of C.J. Lawrence, a New York-based investment management firm whose history goes back to 1864. The deal is a significant coup for Apollon, which now officially has a presence in the country’s largest financial market.

“The addition of C.J. Lawrence marks a significant milestone for Apollon as we establish our presence in New York City,” Michael Dolberg, CEO of Apollon Holdings, Apollon Wealth’s parent company, said Tuesday.

C.J. Lawrence specializes in proprietary research and portfolio management for high-net-worth clients and institutions. CEO Bernhard Koepp will continue leading the firm under the Apollon brand.

“Apollon’s independent, client-focused model aligns with our values,” Koepp said.

Apollon's deal in New York breaks a lengthy stretch of silence for the firm, which made another expansionary step in the Northeast last October with Apollon Wealth's acquisition of CIC Wealth Management in Maryland. Before that, Apollon Financial, a fee-based advisory firm affiliated with Apollon Wealth, extended its presence in South Carolina with its midsummer deal adding the DeHollander Financial Group.

Latest News

A 'just right' moment for munis
A 'just right' moment for munis

After a two-year period of inversion, the muni yield curve is back in a more natural position – and poised to create opportunities for long-term investors.

Advisor moves: UBS exodus continues as Merrill makes additions in California, Texas
Advisor moves: UBS exodus continues as Merrill makes additions in California, Texas

Meanwhile, an experienced Connecticut advisor has cut ties with Edelman Financial Engines, and Raymond James' independent division welcomes a Washington-based duo.

Osaic ponies up $9.8M to settle clients’ lawsuit involving real estate, alternatives
Osaic ponies up $9.8M to settle clients’ lawsuit involving real estate, alternatives

Osaic has now paid $17.2 million to settle claims involving former clients of Jim Walesa.

RIA giant Mercer matches 2024 deal count, lays groundwork for Idaho expansion
RIA giant Mercer matches 2024 deal count, lays groundwork for Idaho expansion

Oregon-based Eagle Wealth Management and Idaho-based West Oak Capital give Mercer 11 acquisitions in 2025, matching last year's total. “We think there's a great opportunity in the Pacific Northwest,” Mercer's Martine Lellis told InvestmentNews.

RIA moves: CW Advisors scores a double in Pennsylvania, Apella Wealth makes Chicago debut
RIA moves: CW Advisors scores a double in Pennsylvania, Apella Wealth makes Chicago debut

Osaic-owned CW Advisors has added more than $500 million to reach $14.5 billion in AUM, while Apella's latest deal brings more than $1 billion in new client assets.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.