Genstar-backed Mercer Global buys Arbor Asset Management

Mercer Global Advisors Inc, a Genstar Capital portfolio company, said Feb. 19 that it acquired Arbor Asset Management LLC. Financial terms weren’t announced. Arbor, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a wealth manger that serves households throughout the mid-west with assets under management (AUM) of approximately $350 Million.

PRESS RELEASE

DENVER, February 19, 2019 – Mercer Global Advisors Inc. (“Mercer Advisors”), a national Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), today announced the acquisition of Arbor Asset Management, LLC (Arbor), a large wealth management firm located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, serving households throughout the mid-west with assets under management (AUM) of approximately $350 Million.

The addition of Arbor’s office in Ann Arbor expands Mercer Advisors’ footprint in Michigan to three offices, which includes Detroit and Traverse City This adds to our Mid-West region with 3 offices in Michigan, as well as offices in Chicago IL, Onalaska WI, Columbus OH, and Omaha NE. The Arbor acquisition brings Mercer Advisors’ total offices to 39, and itincreases AUM to approximately $15 Billion.

Arbor was founded in 1996 by Neil Paolella, President, focusing on delivering comprehensive and high-quality wealth management services to his clientele. Neil and his four team members will be joining Mercer Advisors.

Dave Welling, Chief Executive Officer of Mercer Advisors, said, “Arbor Asset Management, LLC is an established and highly respected firm—a very attractive business in a dynamic and growing market. Arbor shares our commitment to excellence and high professional acumen, matched by equally high integrity, resulting in superior client satisfaction.” Welling added, “Arbor’s team, led by Neil, are fantastic additions to our organization and deepens our talent in the Michigan market.”

Commenting on the transaction, President Neil Paolella stated, “The criteria I had in seeking a partner was, first, we needed to share core values regarding clients and people. Second, I wanted to offload back office responsibilities and needed to know they would be managed at the highest level. Third, it was important to me that my team had career path opportunities with our new partner.” Paolella added, “After meeting with Dave Barton, Mercer Advisors Vice Chairman, and the team, I was convinced that my criteria had been met and exceeded. We are thrilled to be joining Mercer Advisors.”

Dave Barton, who leads the company’s M&A activity, said, “Neil demands the best out of himself and his team. He strives to serve his clients at the highest possible level and expects the same from his new partner. After months of due diligence and getting to know one another, Neil saw in us what we saw in him: an unwavering commitment to excellence. We share the same business values, and cultural alignment is apparent. This is a true win-win transaction.”

About Mercer Advisors

Established in 1985, Mercer Advisors Inc. is a total wealth management firm that provides comprehensive, fee-only investment management, financial planning, family office services, retirement benefits and distribution planning, estate and tax planning, asset protection expertise, and corporate trustee and trust administration services. Mercer Advisors Inc. is the parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc., one of the largest Registered Investment Advisors and financial planning firms in the U.S. with approximately $15 Billion in client assets. Headquartered in Denver, Mercer Advisors is privately held, has over 350 employees, and operates nationally through 39 branches offices across the country. For more information, visit www.merceradvisors.com.

Data as of February 15, 2019. AUM includes affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries.

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