Mariner, Savant, Cerity announce deals, expanding practice capabilities

Independent wealth management consolidation is accelerating on multiple fronts, with Mariner, Savant, and Cerity Partners each announcing deals that reflect distinct strategic priorities.

Mariner's acquisition of Wealth Conscious Management, a California-based firm overseeing roughly $320 million in assets, brings the mega-RIA a firm built around clients in film, television, music, and media, including Grammy and Emmy Award winners, whose financial lives bear little resemblance to those of typical high-net-worth individuals.

Irregular contract-driven income, tight decision windows, and the complications of managing substantial wealth under public scrutiny define the client experience that Tyler Robuck and Bennett Gross have spent years navigating. The deal closed May 31, pushing Mariner's California office count to 22 within a national footprint that now spans 42 states and Puerto Rico.

"Wealth Conscious Management has built a distinctive practice serving clients who require a highly personalized approach,” said Marty Bicknell, president and CEO of Mariner. “Their decision to join us reflects our continued focus on partnering with advisors who want to grow with intention, maintain a high-touch client experience and positively impact the lives of many."

Cerity boosts capabilities

Cerity Partners has announced a merger involving Allmon, DiBernardo & Associates, a Torrance, California CPA and tax planning firm founded in 1999.

The practice is being absorbed into Cerity's El Segundo office and brings fractional CFO capabilities and full-service bookkeeping alongside its core tax planning work for business owners, high-net-worth families, and real estate investors.

"Allmon, DiBernardo & Associates' commitment to proactive, results-driven tax planning — and the high quality service they provide to business owners and high-net-worth individuals and families — is a natural fit with what we do at Cerity Partners," said Claire O'Keefe, partner and head of partner development at Cerity Partners. "This merger enhances our ability to deliver fully integrated wealth management, investment advisory and tax services in Southern California, and we are proud to welcome our talented new colleagues to the Cerity Partners family."

Savant expands in Albuquerque

Meanwhile, Savant Wealth Management's partnership with Albuquerque-based Meridian Wealth Advisors, which also encompasses the separate Meridian Tax Advisors, gives the Rockford, Illinois-based fee-only RIA a second New Mexico location to complement its existing Santa Fe office.

The deal, which also closed May 31, adds Scott Floersheim and his approximately $168 million book of business to Savant's roster.

Floersheim, who Meridian in 2006 and focuses on high-net-worth individuals and couples approaching or already in retirement across central New Mexico, offering fee-only investment management, financial planning, and tax advisory services. He joins as a member-owner. FP Transitions facilitated the transaction on Meridian's behalf, and Savant did not disclose financial terms.

"Scott has built a practice grounded in the same fiduciary values and client-first philosophy that have defined Savant for 40 years," said Brent Brodeski, founder and CEO of Savant Wealth Management. "This partnership adds a seasoned advisor and tax specialist to our team in the region, and we're pleased to welcome Scott and his clients to Savant."

Savant now operates 69 offices across 27 states.