Core Insights - The article highlights the author's academic background in Economics, Finance, and Data Science at Imperial College London, along with leadership experience as President of the Imperial College Investment Society, which is recognized as the top student business and finance society in the UK [1] - The author has practical experience in M&A deals at Edenity, a boutique advisory firm, where they developed valuation models and performed strategic transaction analyses [1] - Contributions to Seeking Alpha include merger arbitrage stock picks, providing insights on market opportunities driven by M&A activities [1] Summary by Categories Education and Leadership - The author is pursuing a BSc in Economics, Finance, and Data Science at Imperial College London [1] - Serves as President of the Imperial College Investment Society, the leading student business and finance society in the UK [1] Professional Experience - Gained hands-on experience working on live M&A deals at Edenity, focusing on valuation models and strategic transaction analyses [1] Contributions to Financial Analysis - Provides merger arbitrage stock picks on Seeking Alpha, offering M&A-driven insights into market opportunities [1]

You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Mercer Hires Integration Leader from LPL Mercer Global Advisors, the acquisitive $86 billion registered investment advisor based in Denver, has hired Katelyn (Kate) Shackleton from LPL Financial to lead its partner integration team. Shackleton joins Mercer as executive managing director, new partner success, to lead the integration of new firms. Mercer makes the move during what it bills as a “ ...

You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. A father-son duo has left Wells Fargo to launch their own registered investment advisory firm in Mission Viejo, California. Ticino Wealth was founded by former Wells advisors Michael Masciorini and his son Jordan. The firm is staying with Wells for clearing and custody services in a move founder Michael Masciorini calls a “structural change,” not a “shift in philosophy or service.” “This move w ...

You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Last month, a team managing $129 billion in client assets broke away from Merrill Lynch to launch their own registered investment advisor, OpenArc Corporate Advisory. It was a blockbuster move that was years in the making, and Merrill immediately filed suit, calling it a “premeditated corporate raid.”  John W. Thiel, the former head of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management who launched his own RI ...

Core Insights - Creative Planning has acquired SageView Advisory Group, aiming to close the deal in December, which will enhance its position as one of the largest registered investment advisors (RIAs) in the U.S. with over $370 billion in client assets [1][2] - The acquisition allows Creative Planning to integrate SageView's retirement plan expertise with its wealth management services, creating a more comprehensive offering for clients [4][5] Company Overview - Creative Planning is based in Overland Park, Kansas, and manages more than $370 billion in client assets [1] - SageView, founded in 1989, has been a significant player in the retirement plan advisory space and has been majority-owned by Aquiline Partners since early 2021 [6] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Creative Planning's capabilities in both wealth management and retirement planning, addressing the growing demand for participant education and financial wellness [5] - Peter Mallouk, CEO of Creative Planning, emphasized the importance of this deal at this time, indicating it was a critical moment for the company [3] Market Context - The retirement plan sector is characterized by low margins, but SageView has invested significantly in bridging retirement and wealth management services [5][6] - The deal positions Creative Planning to better serve business owners by providing a comprehensive suite of services that cater to both retirement and wealth management needs [6]

Core Points - Orange County Bancorp, Inc. announced the rebranding of Hudson Valley Investment Advisors to Orange Investment Advisors to create a streamlined experience for clients and staff [1][2] - The advisory team, investment strategy, investment philosophy, and investment committee will remain unchanged despite the name change, ensuring continuity for clients [2] - The rebranding is seen as a significant development that will enhance brand consistency and improve service delivery to clients [3] Company Overview - Orange County Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Company and Orange Investment Advisors, which was founded in 1996 and acquired in 2012 [3] - Orange Bank & Trust Company has approximately $2.6 billion in total assets and has a long-standing commitment to community and business clientele [3]

Core Insights - 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC has hired Braxton Comer as a Principal, Business Development Officer, enhancing its capabilities in wealth transfer strategies and philanthropic giving [1][2][3] Company Overview - 1919 Investment Counsel manages approximately $24.4 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, including $3.0 billion in responsible investing strategies [5] - The firm serves a diverse client base, including individuals, families, corporations, foundations, charitable trusts, and educational institutions [5] - 1919 has been recognized as one of the nation's top registered investment advisory firms by Barron's, Forbes, and Financial Advisor Magazine [5][6] New Hire Impact - Braxton Comer will focus on cultivating new client relationships and delivering tailored investment counsel, particularly in philanthropic strategies [3][4] - His legal expertise and experience in advising family offices and non-profits will strengthen the firm's mission of providing purpose-driven financial guidance [2][3] Strategic Goals - The addition of Braxton Comer is expected to enhance the firm's ability to coordinate complex wealth transfer strategies, with an emphasis on philanthropy [2][3] - Comer expressed a commitment to helping clients utilize tax-efficient strategies for charitable giving and building meaningful legacies [4]

Core Insights - OpenArc Corporate Advisory has launched as a registered investment advisor (RIA) with plans for national growth from its headquarters in Atlanta [1] - The firm was established by former Merrill Lynch advisors who transitioned from Merrill's Global Corporate and Institutional Advisory Services unit [3] - OpenArc has initiated a charitable foundation, donating $100,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and plans to contribute a portion of profits to underserved communities [5] Company Overview - OpenArc launched in September on the Dynasty Financial Network platform, with Dynasty as a minority investor and Charles Schwab as its custodian [2] - The firm aims to provide tailored fiduciary advice to both corporate and family wealth clients, emphasizing a client-first approach [7] Legal Context - Merrill Lynch has filed a lawsuit against OpenArc, alleging breaches of the Protocol for Broker Recruiting regarding client information and communication [3] - A federal court denied Merrill's request for a temporary restraining order, and the case will proceed to arbitration with FINRA [4]

Group 1: Industry Overview - The third quarter of 2023 saw a record number of registered investment advisor (RIA) deals, totaling 94, the highest since tracking began in 2019 [1][2] - Private equity-backed consolidators are the primary drivers of RIA M&A activity, indicating a growing trend in the industry [2] Group 2: Notable Acquisitions - Allworth Financial acquired Shorepoint Capital Partners, an RIA with $850 million in assets under management, expanding its presence in the Boston area [4][5] - Carson Group acquired Shilanski & Associates, a financial planning firm in Alaska managing approximately $436 million in assets [6][7]

Core Insights - Perigon Wealth Management has acquired Gitterman Wealth Management and Gitterman Asset Management, increasing its assets under management to approximately $10.6 billion [1][2] Company Overview - Perigon Wealth Management is a registered investment advisor based in San Francisco, managing $9.3 billion in client assets prior to the acquisition [1] - Gitterman Wealth Management and Gitterman Asset Management are based in Edison, New Jersey, managing $1.3 billion in client assets [1][2] Acquisition Details - The acquisition will add Gitterman's assets to Perigon, bringing the total to about $10.6 billion [2] - Gitterman partners Jeffrey Gitterman and Eli Rauch will join Perigon as managing directors [2] Team and Client Focus - The six-person wealth management team at Gitterman serves individual investors and professionals from colleges and universities through specific programs [3] - Gitterman specializes in sustainable investing, focusing on climate adaptation and resilience [4] Strategic Alignment - Gitterman expressed that Perigon's strength in impact investing influenced their decision to join the firm, enhancing their asset management strategy for clients [5] - Perigon's CEO emphasized a growth strategy that aligns with firms and individuals sharing similar values, aiming for thoughtful expansion [6]