Merit Financial Advisors has announced a new acquisition in Blueprint Wealth Advisors, a $1.2 billion wealth management firm focused on serving high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
The acquisition expands Merit's presence in Illinois and Wisconsin, according to the announcement, including entry into the Chicago market via offices in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois. Blueprint’s other office location is in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.
The firm practices a proprietary planning technique dubbed “the Capstone Method.” By joining Merit, Blueprint gains access to resources and services for clients not available through its current broker-dealer partner.
Ryan Evans and Nick Wilkins, both managing partners and wealth advisors at Blueprint, will join Merit as regional directors and partners, along with their team.
The acquisition comes about four months after Merit announced a new 30% strategic minority investment from Constellation Wealth Capital, an alternative asset management platform focused on supporting the long-term growth of independent wealth management firms. At the time, executives at both firms said the minority investment would help Merit scale its advisor platform and expand its national reach amid rising demand for wealth management solutions, including those sought by highly affluent clients.
In a new statement, Zach Mersberger, Merit managing principal and partner, said the Blueprint acquisition reflects a “pivotal moment” in this growth strategy.
"They bring top talent, experience serving high-net-worth clients in the Chicago and Madison areas, and proven leadership to help us continue growing Merit's impact,” Mersberger said. “This is truly a transformational partnership for us."
Evans added that Merit stood out for its cultural alignment and shared values.
"Partnering with a larger firm that shares our culture was important to us, both for supporting continued growth and for enhancing the resources and services we can offer our clients," Evans said.
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