Mercer also expanded in Portland with Thompson Advisory’s $260 million book, while Waverly picks up a $257 million Pennsylvania shop.
The mega-RIA and serial consolidator now has more than $131 billion in assets as it adds a veteran-led practice in the Midwest.
New research shows serial acquirers gaining massive ground while non-dealmakers fall behind.
The deal in Maryland adds a decades-old planning practice, led by a father-son tandem, to MAI Capital Management's network
Client services will be broadened under the new partnership
$1.8 trillion asset manager SEI completed the first stage in its planned takeover, with company executive Michael Lane highlighting its belief in "the sustainability of the revenues related to financial advice."
The Parsipanny, New Jersey-based firm's latest minority investment adds more than $500 million in client assets, with more than $25 billion now across its network.
Mega-RIA Creative Planning and Chicago-based Waverly have also gained additional scale with hefty acquisitions.
Alaris Acquisitions CEO Allen Darby cautions of a 2026 slowdown in RIA M&A activity, as sellers find new homes this week at Creative Planning, Wealth Enhancement, Allworth Financial, and Sequoia Financial Group.
The CEO and co-founder's personal stake in the active ETF firm is set to enjoy a ten-figure payday, based on details of the transaction and regulatory filings.
Sequoia Financial has also snapped up a $406 million indie RIA in California, while Allworth returns to the deal table with its own $460 million upmarket acquisition.
The deal, set to add $28 billion in assets, would vault the Wall Street giant among the top tier of active ETF providers as investors flock to defined outcome strategies for downside protection and smoother stock exposure.
Deal reflects trend towards tighter focus on advisor expansion rather than burden of IBD model
Merit president Kay Lynn Mayhue told InvestmentNews that Chicago will scale into “a $10 billion city within short order,” as ex-Commonwealth team Blueprint Wealth Advisors starts its Windy City presence.
The deal for the $34 billion wealth firm comes as PE-backed transactions set a new annual record, while the SEC puts a spotlight on compliance risks for advisers being acquired.
MOEs can turn into a "very morbid discussion for a leadership team," says Merit's M&A executive David Wahlen, highlighting the tough choices RIAs face as they chase the scale of mega-firms.
The deal will help Edward Jones provide a more comprehensive wealth management offering.
Carson Group also added another $1.45 billion team in Ohio, while Utah-based Diversify further extend its reach in Boston.
Also, The Mather Group adds a $300M West Coast RIA, while Arkadios Capital supports a $700M Commonwealth team's break from LPL.
Deal strengthens ties between the insurers and supports long-term growth strategy.
