Mariner, a national wealth advisory firm, has announced its acquisition of New Haven, Connecticut-based Woodbridge International, a prominent middle-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A) firm. This acquisition marks a significant enhancement to Mariner's position as a comprehensive financial advisory firm, particularly in the realm of sell-side M&A advisory services.
Woodbridge International is renowned for its innovative approach to sell-side M&A transactions. With over 30 years of experience across various industries, Woodbridge brings a team of seasoned professionals and a global reach that will now be leveraged by Mariner to offer enhanced M&A advisory services. The firm’s extensive network includes a global database of 8,400 private equity groups and 410,000 strategic companies, allowing it to identify a wide range of potential buyers quickly.
Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner, emphasized the transformative nature of this acquisition, stating, "The integration of Woodbridge International into the Mariner family marks a transformative step in our mission to deliver comprehensive, client-focused financial services. Woodbridge’s impressive history of successful transactions and its commitment to client-centric solutions align seamlessly with our core values. This acquisition enables us to broaden our service offerings, empowering our clients to navigate the complexities of M&A with greater confidence and precision."
Woodbridge has built a strong reputation for maximizing value through innovative marketing strategies and a deep understanding of market dynamics. The firm's offices in New Haven, Connecticut, and Cape Town, South Africa, further enable it to provide global reach and expertise.
Robert Koenig, CEO of Woodbridge International, expressed optimism about the acquisition, stating, "For our team, joining forces with Mariner opens up incredible avenues for growth. We now have a clear path to potentially double our business within the next few years. By expanding our offerings, we can cultivate idle leads and provide more value to clients than ever before. This is an exciting time for Woodbridge, especially as we aim to capture the anticipated wave of baby boomer business exits."
The acquisition comes at a pivotal time for the financial advisory industry. With 35% of financial advisors expected to retire over the next decade and an estimated $17 trillion in small businesses projected to be sold in the next 20 years, the need for robust M&A advisory services is more critical than ever. This acquisition strengthens Mariner's ability to support its 1,200 business owner clients, particularly during key business transitions.
The acquisition was finalized on August 30, 2024, and the integration of Woodbridge’s team and operations into Mariner’s existing structure is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Woodbridge International will maintain its current offices and continue to operate under its established brand for a period of time, ensuring continuity for its clients and employees.
