Subscribe

CI Financial notches 29th and 30th deals in record buying spree

$700 million

The Toronto aggregator announced a twofer that combines for $10 billion in assets under management. The deals push CI’s U.S. footprint to $115 billion in assets.

In a year-end rush to wrap up deals before any potential new taxes kick in, serial acquirer CI Financial announced a twofer Wednesday morning involving advisory firms that combine for more than $10 billion in client assets under management.

The Toronto-based aggregator, which has been on a record-level buying spree since entering the U.S. market just two years ago, is buying Columbia Pacific Wealth Management, a $6.4 billion registered investment adviser with offices in Seattle and San Francisco.

Additionally, CI Financial will acquire a minority ownership stake in Columbia Pacific Advisors, an alternative asset management firm that manages $3.5 billion across real estate, private equity, direct lending and other hedging strategies.

The deals represent CI’s 29th and 30th acquisitions of U.S. firms, respectively, and will push CI’s U.S. footprint to $115 billion in assets.

Alex Washburn, co-founder and managing partner of CPWM and CPA, said, the partnership with CI will “broaden the resources and support available to Columbia Pacific as we continue to enhance the universe of investment opportunities for the families we advise.”

“CI has earned a reputation for investing in best-in-class teams, and we are thrilled to partner with them as they make a permanent investment in our companies,” he added.

At $6.4 billion, CPWM will represent CI’s third largest transaction behind Segall Bryant & Hamill, a $23 billion RIA acquired earlier this year, and Gofen & Glossberg, a $7.5 billion deal announced last month.

The latest deal bumps last week’s announced acquisition of $6 billion RegentAtlantic down to the fourth slot in terms of deal size.

Related Topics: ,

Learn more about reprints and licensing for this article.

Recent Articles by Author

Are AUM fees heading toward extinction?

The asset-based model is the default setting for many firms, but more creative thinking is needed to attract the next generation of clients.

Advisors tilt toward ETFs, growth stocks and investment-grade bonds: Fidelity

Advisors hail traditional benefits of ETFs while trend toward aggressive equity exposure shows how 'soft landing has replaced recession.'

Chasing retirement plan prospects with a minority business owner connection

Martin Smith blends his advisory niche with an old-school method of rolling up his sleeves and making lots of cold calls.

Inflation data fuel markets but economists remain cautious

PCE inflation data is at its lowest level in two years, but is that enough to stop the Fed from raising interest rates?

Advisors roll with the Fed’s well-telegraphed monetary policy move

The June pause in the rate-hike cycle has introduced the possibility of another pause in September, but most advisors see rates higher for longer.

X

Subscribe and Save 60%

Premium Access
Print + Digital

Learn more
Subscribe to Print