Mariner Wealth Advisors Adds $950M California Wealth Firm

The acquisition was Mariner’s 14th deal in 2021.

Mariner Wealth Advisors has bought Viewpoint Financial Network, a Pleasanton, California-based firm that oversees $950 million in assets, Mariner said Wednesday.

The deal, Mariner’s 14th transaction to close in 2021, allowed the RIA to add its eighth and ninth offices in California and boosted its nationwide tally to 67 offices in 31 states. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The firm and its affiliates now advise clients with over $56 billion in assets, it said. Mariner embarked on an aggressive growth strategy in July, after a minority stake was taken in it by private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners. That added almost $13 billion in assets under advisement throughout the last two quarters, Mariner said.

The deal with Viewpoint adds to Mariner’s rapidly growing U.S. footprint, with an office in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and another office in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“As we kick off 2022, I’m grateful for the tireless work of our associates and continued loyalty from our clients, which made this past year of unprecedented growth possible,” according to Marty Bicknell, Mariner CEO and president.

Viewpoint assumed the Mariner name when the deal closed on Dec. 30. Benjamin Wong, Viewpoint’s founder and principal, will continue to oversee its two offices as managing director and senior wealth advisor, and all 15 Viewpoint associates will remain in their current positions.

Viewpoint has 39 years of experience bringing clients holistic financial planning and wealth management services. Joining Mariner will enable Viewpoint to expand capabilities, including tax and estate implementation services, trust and insurance services and retirement solutions for businesses, Mariner said.

(Pictured: Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner Wealth Advisor)