The RIA M&A market stumbled in 2012, but giants were not deterred, Schwab end-of-year data shows
M&A activity still sickly slow by some reckonings, but harbingers of mating activity abound
Elmer Rich III
We represent buyers and sellers in RIA and retirement TPA transactions. Our experience is that valuations are artificially low, based on the past and current bad economic “mood”, so sellers are incented to wait until the general feelings of the industry get more realistic.
We also do valuations and find that often firms are significantly undervalued. Again, mainly based on the emotional trauma and a holdover from the crisis, when valuations went to very low levels. Valuations based on feelings about market pessimism or optimism are an onstacle to business transactions – for all parties.
Related Moves
2025 will be the year of 'Under New Management' in RIA business, after 2024 brought profusion of CEO-level fires, hires and deals
First seven CEOs were replaced, then myriad big HR dominoes fell as Vanguard, Schwab, Envestnet, InvestCloud, LPL, Cetera and Orion all switched out CEOs and presidents
January 2, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Another A-list RIA Schwabbie lands on his feet -- this time at DeVoe & Co. -- after TD Ameritrade merger displacement of 2,000-plus
Tony Parkin takes the reins as president of the San Francisco M&A shop and reunites with ex-Schwab boss who left 14 years ago
May 10, 2024 at 1:29 AM
Michael Nathanson's new post as Focus CEO could create an 'apparent conflict' with his duties at Colony Group, which is snapping up billions in Focus RIA assets -- but 'partners' now have one of theirs in the power seat
The CEO of Colony, the $22-billion Boston RIA, is buying $10.4-billion GW & Wade from Focus, making him buyer and seller, as he takes the reins as first permanent Focus CEO since Rudy Adolf.
May 1, 2024 at 3:02 AM
Goldman Sachs-Creative Planning deal is bleeding defectors -- 16 more last week, report says -- auguring a 'potential disaster,' analysts warn
Dozens of former 'United Capital' advisors are fleeing at once, but Peter Mallouk is still battling to keep them, and Goldman Sachs may play legal hardball, sources say.
October 4, 2023 at 2:16 AM
See more related moves
DeVoe & Company
Consulting Firm
Top Executive: David DeVoe
Park Sutton Advisors, LLC
Mergers and Acquisition Firm
Top Executive: Steven Levitt
