Advisory M&A News – 3/11/24

Bluespring Wealth Announces Merger of Retirement Wealth Specialists and Security Financial Management

Bluespring Wealth Partners LLC announced a strategic combination between two of its partner firms, Retirement Wealth Specialists LLC and Security Financial Management LLC, to create a hub in Florida overseeing approximately $1.4 billion in assets.

“Two of our partners merging to become a leading wealth management firm in the southeast is a testament to the high level of quality and like-mindedness we’ve built in the Bluespring community,” said Stuart Silverman, Bluespring’s chairman, in a statement.

The combined firm will keep the Security Financial Management brand and maintain locations across the state. RWS and SFM have been independently affiliated with Bluespring for several years.

“Bluespring has been instrumental in our ongoing growth and expansion over the last several years,” Mitch Walk, RWS’ president and a senior adviser, said in a statement. “We’re grateful for the firm’s continued support as we start this new chapter as part of the SFM family.”

Moneta Acquires Juniper Wealth Advisors

Moneta, a partner-owned registered investment adviser firm, announced the addition of Amy Hiett and Mike Walsh as partners. The team formerly known as Juniper Wealth Advisors joins Moneta with about $279 million in assets under management, bringing Moneta up to approximately $34 billion AUM.

“Partnering with Moneta will allow us to expand our existing financial planning and investment management offerings to include philanthropic initiatives, tax planning, estate strategy, regulatory compliance, cyber security and human resources,” Hiett said in a statement.

This is the national RIA’s third acquisition in Colorado and the second within the past 12 months, having added the $450 million AUM team of Jaye Everland and Jason Sandry as partners in its Cherry Creek location in April 2023. Hiett and Walsh will continue to operate from Moneta’s Boulder location, the firm’s sixth office in its network.

“Mike and Amy have deep expertise and a culture of caring for clients, employees, and the communities they serve, which makes them a perfect fit for Moneta,” Moneta CEO Eric Kittner said in a statement.

Integrated Partners Adds CoFi Advisors

Integrated Partners, a financial planning and RIA firm with more than $17 billion in AUM, announced New Hampshire-based CoFi Advisors as its latest affiliate partner. Co-founded by financial advisers Colin Walker and Wheeler Crowley, the team is rounded out by Shania Mulley, a registered client service associate and practice manager.

CoFi will gain access to Integrated’s suite of resources, including Business Owner Solutions, Insurance Solutions Division and Integrated Family Office. CoFi serves high-net-worth individuals and business owner clients, offering advice on investment, budgeting, saving, investing, retirement planning, insurance needs, tax strategies and estate planning.

“Joining Integrated allows us to grow our solution set, leveraging the firm’s dynamic technology and bespoke investment platform to provide an experience more tailored to our clients’ needs,” said Crowley in a statement.

“While many advisers struggle to achieve organic growth, we’re confident that programs like Integrated’s CPA Alliance will help us unlock access to a broader set of prospective clients,” Walker said in a statement.