Merit Financial Advisors, a financial advisory firm based in the Atlanta area, has acquired Atlanta-based ClearBridge Wealth Management, the firms announced Wednesday.
ClearBridge oversees $300 million in client assets and provides investment management and financial services for individuals, families and business owners.
Preston Byers, founder of ClearBridge, said in a statement that the core values of the two firms align. “Merit’s strong back-office support team and extensive technology suite will allow me more time to connect with my clients,” he added.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
This acquisition marks Merit’s 22nd since it took a minority investment in December 2020 from Wealth Partners Capital Group.
Merit’s most recent acquisition was in August, when it acquired Reis Financial Services, adding $178 million in AUM and expanding Merit’s presence in Wisconsin.
“Preston’s expertise and focus on client service complements Merit's approach, and it is exciting to watch Merit build their Atlanta presence by partnering with such a talented advisor,” said WPCG principal, Nick Trepp.
Merit has more than 40 offices throughout the U.S. and managed approximately $9 billion in assets as of Sept. 30. The merger was finalized last Friday.
Advisors can set their practice apart and win more business with a powerful graphic describing their unique business and value proposition.
The Labor Department's reversal from its 2022 guidance has drawn approval from crypto advocates – but fiduciaries must still mind their obligations.
With $750 million in assets and plans to hire a RIA Growth Lead, Autopilot is moving beyond retail to court advisors with separately managed accounts and integrations with RIA custodians such as Schwab and Fidelity.
Elsewhere on the East Coast, a Boca Raton-headquartered shop has acquired a fellow Florida-based RIA in "a natural evolution for both organizations."
After advising on nearly $700 million in retirement assets, 27-year veteran Greg Mykytyn is bringing his expertise in ESOP and 401(k) plans to the national RIA in Texas.
How intelliflo aims to solve advisors' top tech headaches—without sacrificing the personal touch clients crave
From direct lending to asset-based finance to commercial real estate debt.
