In a significant expansion of its national presence, Mariner, a prominent financial services firm, has completed the acquisitions of Atlas Financial in Sarasota, Florida, and Newport Advisory in Newport Beach, California. The dual acquisitions bring approximately $878 million in assets under management to Mariner, bolstering its position in the financial services industry and expanding its reach to 126 offices across the United States.
The strategic move not only increases Mariner's assets under management but also establishes second offices in both Sarasota and Newport Beach, key markets for the firm. This expansion aligns with Mariner's ambitious vision of growing to 5,000 advisors by 2027, demonstrating the company's commitment to strategic growth and market penetration.
Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner, emphasized the importance of these acquisitions in meeting clients' needs and reinforcing the firm's client-first approach. "These firms bring a wealth of expertise and a client-first ethos that perfectly align with our values," Bicknell stated, highlighting the synergy between the acquired firms and Mariner's existing culture.
Atlas Financial, with over 25 years of experience, brings to Mariner its expertise in asset management, business continuity, and wealth transfer strategies. The firm's "Serve First" philosophy and focus on long-term client relationships complement Mariner's approach to personalized financial services. Orion Marx, founder of Atlas Financial, expressed enthusiasm about the enhanced capabilities the merger will bring to their clients.
Newport Advisory, founded in 1995 by Jim Regitz, contributes its holistic approach to financial planning to the Mariner portfolio. The firm's comprehensive services, ranging from retirement and education planning to tax strategies and liability management, will further diversify Mariner's offerings. Regitz emphasized that while joining Mariner opens new doors, their commitment to a client-centric philosophy remains unwavering.
The acquisitions are particularly significant in the context of the evolving financial services landscape. As clients increasingly seek comprehensive, personalized financial guidance, firms like Mariner are positioning themselves to meet these demands through strategic growth and expanded expertise. The addition of Atlas Financial and Newport Advisory not only increases Mariner's assets under management but also enhances its ability to provide tailored solutions to a broader client base.
For the financial services industry, this move by Mariner signals a trend towards consolidation and the importance of offering a wide range of specialized services under one roof. It also highlights the value placed on firms with strong local presence and established client relationships in key markets.
The impact of these acquisitions extends beyond Mariner and its new partners. Clients of Atlas Financial and Newport Advisory will now have access to Mariner's extensive resources and expertise, potentially benefiting from a wider array of financial services and solutions. This expansion of services could lead to more comprehensive financial planning and potentially better outcomes for clients.
As Mariner integrates these new firms into its operations, the financial services industry will be watching closely. The success of this expansion could set a precedent for similar moves by other firms looking to grow their market share and expand their service offerings. It also underscores the importance of geographical diversity in the financial services sector, as firms seek to establish strong local presences in key markets across the country.
With these acquisitions, Mariner not only grows its assets under management but also reinforces its position as a leading national financial services firm. The move demonstrates Mariner's commitment to growth, client service, and adapting to the changing needs of the financial services market. As the integration process unfolds, the industry will be keen to see how this expansion translates into enhanced services and value for Mariner's expanded client base.
