Advisory M&A News – 10/9/23

Creative Planning Acquires of Kistler-Tiffany Advisors

Creative Planning LLC has acquired Kistler-Tiffany Advisors, a financial planning firm founded in 1974.

“We are excited to welcome the Kistler-Tiffany Advisors team joining our firm,” Peter Mallouk, CEO of Creative Planning, said in a statement. “Their commitment to nurturing relationships and leveraging creative talents aligns with our client-centric philosophy.”

Based outside of Philadelphia in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Kistler-Tiffany Advisors oversees investable assets, estate planning, charitable initiatives and business succession for high-net-worth families. The firm primarily focuses on creating plans for family-owned and privately-held businesses. These plans span from estate and business succession planning to retirement strategies and tax-sensitive investments.

“Joining Creative Planning is a monumental step forward,” Andy Reder, managing partner in Kistler-Tiffany Advisors, said in a statement. “Our shared vision of comprehensive financial planning and personalized client care finds an ideal partner in Creative Planning’s innovative approach.”

Edelman Financial Engines Acquires Align Wealth Management

Edelman Financial Engines LLC has acquired Align Wealth Management, a registered investment adviser.

“Align is focused first and foremost on serving its clients, so we knew their culture would naturally match ours,” Suzanne van Staveren, executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Edelman Financial Engines, said in a statement. “In addition, their approach to holistic wealth management fits well with our broad suite of capabilities and commitment to serving clients who can benefit from advanced services, including retirement, tax and estate planning support.”

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, with an additional office in St. Petersburg, Florida, Align manages approximately $425 million for nearly 360 clients. The acquisition grows Edelman Financial Engines’ presence into Oklahoma and Florida, adding planner capacity in these regions.

“Joining Edelman Financial Engines will allow our planners to spend more time delivering high-touch services to clients while getting greater support with administrative and time-consuming back-office tasks,” Brian Puckett, co-founder of Align Wealth Management, said in a statement.

Coldstream Merges With Seidman Capital Group, Hersman Serles Almond

Coldstream Wealth Management, officially Coldstream Capital Management Inc., announced mergers with Seidman Capital Group, a wealth management firm, and Hersman Serles Almond LLC, an accounting and consulting services firm.

Both based in Kirkland, Washington, the two affiliated businesses were co-founded by Victoria Serles. She serves as a partner in SCG and managing partner in HSA.

“Merging with Coldstream comes at the ideal phase of our respective businesses,” said Serles in a statement. “The firm understands how we operate, the value-add that sophisticated tax services can bring to wealth management clients and how a truly comprehensive financial services company can stand out as a destination of choice for top talent who continually seek new challenges in order to grow throughout their careers.”

SCG’s five advisers and three support staffers oversee more than $250 million in assets under management. The firm, founded in 2004, provides financial, investment and insurance planning services. HSA, founded in 1980, consists of 17 financial professionals, including six partners. In addition to handling income taxes, HSA provides a wide array of tax-efficient services.