Focus Partner Firm to Merge With Real Estate Group

Focus Financial Partners says that its has helped partner firm Kovitz Investment Group Partners merge with Origin Holding Co., a private real estate fund manager.

Kovitz works with some $7.8 billion in assets, while Origin has some $1.8 billion. Both firms are based in Chicago. The deal is being made for an undisclosed amount and should close in the first quarter of 2023.

Focus is “thrilled that Origin will be joining forces with Kovitz in this important strategic transaction,” according to Rudy Adolf, the founder, CEO and chairman of Focus. “Origin will add to Kovitz’s already robust private real estate solutions at a time when alternative investments are becoming increasingly important in meeting the needs of sophisticated investors.”

Founded in 2007 by David Scherer and Michael Episcope, Origin manages private real estate funds, especially those making multifamily residential real estate investments. Its funds have some 3,000 individual investors.

“Kovitz’s success as a leading wealth manager and private real estate investor made them the clear choice,” said Michael Episcope, co-CEO of Origin, in a statement. “We also greatly value that Kovitz is a Focus partner firm, and we believe that our business will derive substantial benefits from being part of the Focus partnership.”

 (Image of Rudy Adolf courtesy of Focus Financial)