Carson expands Midwest footprint with $1B deal

Carson expands Midwest footprint with $1B deal
The second-largest acquisition in the wealth firm's history adds a 12-person Minnesota team.
OCT 15, 2024

Carson Group is extending its presence in the Midwest as it seals a landmark deal in Minnesota.

On Tuesday morning, the leading wealth firm announced its acquisition of Sweet Financial Partners, a Minnesota-based advisor team overseeing $1 billion in assets under advisement.

This deal marks the second largest acquisition in Carson's history – last December, it welcomed the $1.2 billion Oakeson Steiner team from Resource Investment Advisors – and strengthens its national presence in wealth management.

Sweet Financial Partners will maintain its local operations in Fairmont, Minnesota, while benefiting from Carson’s extensive resources.

The 12-member team, led by managing partner and 43-year industry veteran Bryan Sweet, will continue to operate under its current name but will now have access to Carson’s national platform.

“Bryan and his team exemplify the values and client-centric approach that Carson stands for," Burt White, CEO of Carson Group said in a statement Tuesday. "Their expertise in comprehensive financial planning and commitment to a ‘life well lived’ mentality make them an ideal addition to our advisor community.”

Sweet Financial, known for its proprietary Dream Architect process, specializes in retirement planning, tax efficiency, and business exit strategies. The firm’s long-standing relationship with Carson Coaching played a key role in the acquisition.

“Our team is excited to join forces with Carson Wealth. This collaboration allows us to maintain our local focus while tapping into the resources of a national brand,” said Sweet, whose four-decade BrokerCheck record also includes affiliations with Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and Raymond James. “It’s a natural progression that aligns perfectly with our culture of inspiring clients to realize their dreams.”

Michael Belluomini, senior vice president of mergers and acquisitions at Carson, emphasized the regional impact of the deal. “This acquisition not only strengthens our presence in the Midwest but also brings a team with a proven track record of success and a commitment to client service that aligns perfectly with our mission,” Belluomini said.

Carson Group currently manages $38 billion in assets and serves over 50,000 client families through more than 150 partner offices across the US.

Most recenty, the financial services firm expanded its presence in Texas with Shane Hall Financial, a retirement income and comprehensive financial planning team headquartered in Amarillo.

Latest News

Roughly three-fifths of Americans agree on higher taxes for large corporations, higher-income households
Roughly three-fifths of Americans agree on higher taxes for large corporations, higher-income households

Pew survey reveals slight majority consensus on tax rates, but views splinter based on political alignment and income levels.

The Fed's going to cut rates
The Fed's going to cut rates

While the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady in March was widely expected, it's the reactions from financial professionals that provide a more nuanced picture of the central bank's approach.

Ontario Pension Fund revamps PE business in light of global risk
Ontario Pension Fund revamps PE business in light of global risk

The pioneering member of Canada's Maple Eight is stepping back from its go-it-alone private equity approach as a drought in deals and Trump's trade war prompt a rethink.

Raymond James, RBC reel in UBS advisors managing over $690M in assets
Raymond James, RBC reel in UBS advisors managing over $690M in assets

The firms' latest additions in Florida and Nevada come as a strategic change at UBS raises risk of advisor defections.

Assetmark debuts new advisor succession planning program
Assetmark debuts new advisor succession planning program

The new program offers opportunities and events structured for rookies, next-gen advisor leaders, and soon-to-exit veterans.

SPONSORED Beyond the all-in-one: Why specialization is key in wealth tech

In an industry of broad solutions, firms like intelliflo prove 'you just need tools that play well together'

SPONSORED Record growth: Interval funds emerge as key players in alternative investments

Blue Vault Alts Summit highlights the role of liquidity-focused funds in reshaping advisor strategies