Focus firm HoyleCohen to merge into Colony

Focus firm HoyleCohen to merge into Colony
The deal expected to close in the third quarter will see $3.6B get absorbed into the Colony Group’s continually growing book.
AUG 05, 2024

The wheels of consolidation are continuing to turn at Focus, the Clayton Dubilier & Rice-backed RIA aggregator, as it unveils another merger agreement between two of its partner firms.

On Monday, Focus Financial Partners announced a definitive agreement for San Diego-based HoyleCohen to join The Colony Group. The transaction, pending customary closing conditions, is expected to finalize in the third quarter of 2024.

With four offices across California and Arizona, HoyleCohen has been a Focus partner firm for nearly two decades. Known for its tailored wealth solutions and strong client relationships, the RIA specializes in long-term financial planning.

“We have grown significantly since partnering with Focus in 2006,” Mark Delfino, CEO and senior managing partner at HoyleCohen, said in a statement Monday.

“As we evaluated the resources that our team needed to continue our pace of growth, we realized that partnering with a firm like Colony would help us accelerate the achievement of our firm’s goals and, most importantly, the life goals of our clients,” Delfino said.

The merger will allow HoyleCohen to access Colony’s extensive planning and investment expertise, enhancing its advisory capabilities. For its part, Colony will benefit from HoyleCohen’s skilled advisors and resources, expanding its presence on the West Coast.

The deal is set to add HoyleCohen’s book, totaling roughly $3.6 billion in AUM as of June 30, to Colony. Colony has already grown substantially from absorbing numerous other Focus partner RIAs, including St. Louis-headquartered Buckingham Strategic Wealth.

“HoyleCohen has established itself as a leader in providing personalized financial and life planning advice,” noted Adam Birenbaum, who became CEO of Colony as part of the Buckingham merger deal unveiled in May, as he welcomed the San Diego-based firm’s bench of talented advisors. “[W]e look forward to working with them to further enhance our offerings and capabilities.”

Meanwhile, Michael Nathanson, CEO of Focus, underscored how the two firms “are deeply aligned in their core values and how they serve clients.”

“We’re confident that, together, they will take full advantage of the solutions each has built to meet the complex and unique needs of their clients and teams,” Nathanson said.

The deal comes soon after Focus Financial announced the promotion of Travis Danysh, who’d been supporting its aggressive intra-network consolidation strategy, to the role of chief corporate development officer at the end of July.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.