RIA moves: The Mather Group, Brand Asset Management announce deals

Two wealth management firms have announced RIA acquisitions as the wealth industry continues to look to M&A for growth.

The Mather Group is to acquire Independent Progressive Advisors, based in Portland, Oregon, to enhance its 12-office $14 billion AUM business, as it drives forward along its ambition to build a national RIA platform via boutique, planning-led partnerships.

“This partnership with The Mather Group allows us to expand our impact and continue delivering meaningful guidance to our clients,” commented Scott Emblen, principal of IPA, who leads the firm along with principal Ann Garcia. The duo has a combined 35 years of experience in the industry with Emblen beginning his career at Charles Schwab in 2000 and Garcia joining Maas Capital having worked in other industries.

It's TMG’s 22nd strategic alliance since 2018 and continues the firm’s expansion into the Pacific Northwest.

Meanwhile, Brand Asset Management Group has acquired the financial planning and wealth management operations of Jackson Creek Investment Advisors.

"Our mission is to help legacy-minded families and business owners achieve lasting success through disciplined planning and exceptional execution,” said Todd Brand, CEO and President of Brand AMG. “Jackson Creek's team shares that commitment and brings a culture of care and excellence that aligns perfectly with ours."

The deal enhances Brand AMG’s investment and planning capabilities. The Jackson Creek team including advisors John Riddle and Mark Jaeger has joined the Chesterfield, Missouri wealth advisory firm which has been led by Brand for 33 years.

The institutional division of Jackson Creek will continue to operate independently under the Jackson Creek name and for private clients joining Brand AMG, all custodial relationships will remain the same.

These latest deals follow a flurry of M&A activity in the industry including Modern Wealth Management’s acquisition of Kaye Capital Management in California, Aspen Standard Wealth adding SKY Investment Group in Connecticut, Beacon Pointe boosting its reach with six RIAs in two months, and Procyon announcing the acquisition of Wooster Corthell Wealth Management.

A recent PwC report highlights an uptick in the number of deals involving asset and wealth management businesses in the last few months of 2024, but the near-term outlook is uncertain.