CW Advisors snaps up Mercadien Asset Management

CW Advisors snaps up Mercadien Asset Management
The Audax-backed RIA’s latest acquisition vaults it to the $8.8B AUM mark while expanding its presence in New Jersey.
JUL 18, 2024

CW Advisors, a registered investment advisor based in Boston, has announced a new acquisition to expand its presence in New Jersey.

On Thursday, the ultra-high-net-worth RIA announced it had acquired Mercadien Asset Management, an RIA located in Hamilton.

The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Paul Lonergan, chief executive officer of CW Advisors, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition.

“Ken and his team are outstanding,” Lonergan said in a statement Thursday.

“We are excited to welcome the team and their clients to CWA. With a strong focus on financial planning and client service, they are a great asset to the firm,” he said.

Mercadian Asset Management has $243 million in discretionary AUM, and it provides financial planning and portfolio management services for individuals and businesses, according to its latest Form ADV.

This acquisition strengthens CW Advisors' presence in the Mid-Atlantic region, adding to its existing offices in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and Columbia, Maryland.

With its latest deal, the firm now operates nine offices nationwide, employing 92 individuals and managing over $8.8 billion in assets.

Ken Kamen, president of Mercadien Asset Management, highlighted the alignment of the two companies' goals.

"CWA’s philosophy and platform make them the perfect partner to continue providing quality service and an expanded offering to our clients,” he remarked.

The acquisition, completed earlier this month, marks CW Advisors' third transaction since it made the decision to partner with Audax Private Equity in June 2023.

Scott Dell’Orfano, chief strategic officer at CW Advisors, emphasized the strategic fit between his firm and the new team.

“Mercadien Asset Management represents an ideal partner to work with to expand our platform for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients,” Dell’Orfano said.

Latest News

Annuities for RIAs: Why fee-only advisors still hit a wall
Annuities for RIAs: Why fee-only advisors still hit a wall

Halbert Hargrove senior wealth advisor weighs in on the products' guaranteed income upside, the operational drag and his wish list for carriers.

Broker-dealers must lean on tech, brand as advisors weigh options
Broker-dealers must lean on tech, brand as advisors weigh options

With 8.6% of advisors set to switch firms in 2026, Cerulli says advisor recruitment hinges on technology, branding and HNW support.

Advisor vs. advisor, Seattle showdown in fight for clients
Advisor vs. advisor, Seattle showdown in fight for clients

“I’m seeing more disputes like this between advisors and other advisors at the same practice,” said one industry executive.

Great Wealth Transfer might give way to a 'mirage,' Dunham research warns
Great Wealth Transfer might give way to a 'mirage,' Dunham research warns

Longer retirements and steady inflation could drain retiree portfolios before heirs inherit, with 4% net returns running dry by year 34.

Investors sue Coastal Financial after one fintech partner erases $470M
Investors sue Coastal Financial after one fintech partner erases $470M

A single fintech partner triggered a $68.8M credit hit.

SPONSORED In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains