Mercer Advisors is broadening its footprint in the wealth space again with another key acquisition.
On Tuesday, top-ranked RIA announced its acquisition of Frango Financial, an independent firm managing approximately $110 million in client assets.
The addition strengthens Mercer’s presence in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina, while enhancing its focus on financial services tailored to women.
Founded in 2011, Frango Financial provides financial planning services, including investment management, retirement planning, tax and estate planning, and cash flow management. The firm is led by Frances Goldman and Pamela Postma Khinda, who will join Mercer Advisors as part of the deal.
“Our commitment is to deliver value that exceeds our fee, and it was important for us to identify a partner with whom we had strong cultural and fiduciary alignment,” Goldman said in a statement Tuesday. “We are excited to join forces with Mercer Advisors and leverage their expanded resources to help us further secure our clients’ financial futures.”
The acquisition aligns with Mercer Advisors’ broader focus on empowering female clients and fostering gender diversity within its client-facing teams, which CEO Dave Welling emphasized.
“With women increasingly taking the lead with managing their own and their families’ finances, we see a tremendous opportunity for Frango Financial and Mercer Advisors to provide financial guidance that truly resonates with their experiences and goals,” Welling said. “The addition of Frango Financial will not only bolster our presence in the Washington, D.C., and Charleston metro areas but also strengthens our ability to deliver personalized advice that empowers women at every stage of their financial life.”
The acquisition also highlights Frango’s strong foundation and dedication to client service. “Fran and Pamela bring together financial acumen and a deep commitment to their clients’ best interests—qualities that embody the fiduciary principles we value and seek to support,” said Martine Lellis, principal of M&A partner development at Mercer Advisors, who was promoted to the newly created role in May.
The top-ranked national RIA's acquisition of Frango Financial comes on the heels of another double-deal in November, in which Mercer Advisors added nearly $1.675 in client assets while extending its reach in Colorado and Minnesota.
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