M&A roundup: Creative Planning, Bluespring, Atlas announce activity this week

Three more wealth firms have announced M&A activity as industry consolidation continues to gather pace after a record start to 2025.

Creative Planning has added a firm that operates across Hawaii and manages approximately $430 million AUM. Mosaic Pacific was founded 11 years ago and its addition expands the mega-RIA’s presence in the Pacific region and marks its 13th acquisition in two years. Creative Planning and its affiliates have more than $370 billion in combined assets under management and advisement across all 50 states and 90 countries as of June 30, 2025.

“What impressed us most about Mosaic Pacific is their dedication to understanding each client’s complete financial landscape,” said Peter Mallouk, President and CEO of Creative Planning. “Their approach to wealth management mirrors our own commitment to comprehensive service. We’re thrilled to welcome their talented team to Creative Planning.”

Meanwhile, two existing Bluespring Wealth Partners firms will merge to form a single entity managing more than $865 million AUM.

Hickory Asset Management of Concord, Ohio will merge into Cincinnati based Ritter Daniher Financial Advisory, although both firms will continue to manage their respective teams. The Hickory name will also remain until early 2026 when president & founder Dan LeScoezec retires.

RDFA is led by managing partner and financial advisor John Ritter and is the younger of the two firms, having started in July 1999 when Ritter left Resonate. Hickory was founded more than 37 years ago and joined Bluespring in 2019 as the first acquisition for the firm launched by Kestra Financial.

"We’re pleased to continue to support both Hickory and RDFA as a combined entity," said Pradeep Jayaraman, president of Bluespring Wealth Partners. “Through this merger, both Hickory and RDFA have the opportunity to power scalable growth and better serve their clients.”

Finally, next-gen wealth firm Atlas has announced its acquisition of Wisconsin RIA firm Central Wealth Management, a $230 million AUM firm founded by Eric Heiting, who will leverage his 20 years of industry experience as president and head of Wealth Management at Atlas, accompanied by the entire CWM team of industry experts.

Atlas provides portfolio management, wealth management, and family office services. The parent company is a fintech, Atlas Financial Services while its advisory services are provided via its RIA firm ATFS Advisers.

“The acquisition of CWM marks a significant milestone in Atlas' forward growth strategy by not only expanding our capabilities with a bench of experienced advisors but also strengthening our ability to service a broader spectrum of clients,” said Tobias Heaslip, CEO and CIO at Atlas. “We’re excited to integrate this team fully and continue pushing the boundaries of wealth management.”