Cerity announces its second merger of the week, Savant expands in Tennessee

Cerity Partners and Savant Wealth Management have each announced expansion through acquisition as wealth management M&A begins 2026 with purpose.

For Cerity, it is a second deal of the week following its merger with Austin Private Wealth in Texas. This latest announcement adds Maryland-based SOL Capital Management, extending its presence in the Mid-Atlantic and adding another established advisory team to its national platform.

SOL Capital Management CEO and board chairman Rajmiel Odinec framed the move as a way to broaden capabilities while preserving client continuity.

“Since our founding in 1987, SOL Capital Management has focused on disciplined investment management and long-term client relationships,” Odinec said. “Becoming part of Cerity Partners allows us to expand the depth of resources supporting our investment process while maintaining continuity for the clients we serve.”

The merger adds to Cerity Partners’ ongoing expansion through acquisitions and combinations, as larger advisory firms continue to seek scale, geographic reach and deeper resources in a competitive RIA landscape.

The historic run for M&A in the asset and wealth management space was highlighted in a report last month by PwC which said consolidation, product innovation and improving financial conditions are expected to keep deal activity resilient as firms seek new sources of growth while protecting profitability.

Savant expands Tennessee footprint

Savant said it has acquired APC Financial Planning, a Knoxville, Tenn.-based advisory firm with roughly $497.8 million in assets under management and a history spanning more than five decades. APC officially joined Savant on Dec. 31, 2025. Financial terms were not disclosed.

As part of the transaction, APC president Joe Ottaviano, who purchased the firm in 2021, joins Savant as a member-owner along with advisor Adam Kornegay. Six additional APC employees also transitioned to Savant. Hue Capital Partners served as sell-side advisor to APC.

“Joining Savant allows our team access to greater resources and operational support for our clients while preserving the personalized service we’ve built over decades,” Ottaviano said. “We were especially drawn to Savant’s planning-first philosophy, a concept our founder, P. Kemp Fain, Jr., helped pioneer.”

Ottaviano said the firm had been seeking a long-term succession solution that would protect both clients and staff while expanding the range of services available.

“We wanted a partner that could provide expanded capabilities, including estate planning, trust services, and tax planning,” he said. “Savant was a strong fit for our team and clients.”

Founder and CEO Brent Brodeski framed the deal as part of Savant’s methodical growth strategy, which emphasizes advisor retention and client continuity over rapid consolidation.

“APC Financial Planning represents a team dedicated to thoughtful, client-centered advice,” Brodeski said. “By bringing APC’s advisors into Savant, we can help relieve them of many operational and compliance responsibilities so they can focus even more fully on serving clients, something our firms have in common.”

The APC transaction brings Savant to 47 offices across 21 states as the firm approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026.