Merit Financial Advisors Partners with Access Investment Advisors to Expand Presence in Wisconsin
ATLANTA —[March 27, 2024] — Merit Financial Advisors (“Merit”), a Georgia-based financial advisory firm that specializes in financial planning and wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families and those navigating life transitions, announced today it has acquired Access Investment Advisors (“AIA”). The firm, based in Manitowoc, WI, will expand Merit’s existing presence in the region and increase Merit’s assets by $213 million.
Founded by Will Casey, CFP®, AIA specializes in investment management and financial planning. Will has over 40 years of experience in the industry and will join Merit as a Wealth Manager and Partner. AIA’s operations and client support teams will also join Merit.
“For quite some time, I have been focused on finding a partner to provide continuity to our clients as well as growth opportunities for our staff – and Merit is that partner,” shared Will. “Partnering with Merit ensures our clients will be well cared for into the future and will continue to experience the same level of personal attention to which they had grown accustomed. I am equally excited to offer Merit’s technology platform and tools to our clients, further enhancing their experience.”
This is Merit’s twenty-sixth acquisition since taking a minority investment in December 2020 from Wealth Partners Capital Group (“WPCG”) and a group of strategic investors led by HGGC’s Aspire Holdings platform. Earlier this month, Merit announced its acquisition of Viren and Associates, which added approximately $542 million in assets and expanded Merit’s presence in the Pacific Northwest.
“Will has achieved an outstanding reputation within the industry, largely due to his client-first approach and commitment to providing high-quality wealth management solutions,” said Nick Trepp, Principal at WPCG. “Will’s expertise and focus on client service complements Merit’s approach, and it is exciting to watch Merit continue building a strong presence in Wisconsin with a talented advisor such as Will.”
“We are thrilled to welcome AIA to the Merit team,” said Joshua and Zachary Mersberger, Merit Regional Directors. “We are looking forward to broadening Merit’s footprint in Wisconsin and providing AIA clients with an even more robust level of service.”
The merger was finalized on March 22, 2024. Financial and legal terms of the deal were not disclosed.
About Merit Financial Advisors
Merit Financial Group, LLC, doing business as Merit Financial Advisors (“Merit”), is a national
wealth management firm that supports both the independent broker-dealer and RIA models.
Merit exists to enrich the lives of those they serve, and its mission is to revolutionize the client
experience by building the RIA of the future. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Merit has over 40
offices throughout the U.S. and managed $10 billion in assets as of December 31, 2023 ($7.15
billion in advisory, $2.7 billion in brokerage assets, and $242 million in assets under
advisement). For more information, please visit www.meritfinancialadvisors.com.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered
through Merit Financial Group, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Merit Financial
Group, LLC, Merit, Merit Financial Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial.
About Wealth Partners Capital Group
Wealth Partners Capital Group (WPCG) is a financial services holding company, which invests
in and partners with select leading wealth management firms. WPCG assists its partner firms by
identifying and integrating like-minded wealth advisers who seek access to expanded business
capabilities, strategic growth and/or customized transition solutions. For more information,
please visit www.wealthpcg.com.
About HGGC
HGGC is a values-driven, partnership-focused private investment firm. The firm’s ecosystem of
investors, operators, and professionals are united by the shared mission to develop leading
enterprises and build long term value together. HGGC invests in technology, business services,
financial services and consumer enterprises generally valued between $200M – $1.5B+. The
firm is based in Palo Alto, CA and manages over $6.9 billion in cumulative capital commitments.
Since its inception in 2007, HGGC has completed more than 600 platform investments, add-on
acquisitions, recapitalizations, and liquidity events with an aggregate transaction value of over
$71 billion. HGGC makes investments in RIAs via its Aspire Holdings platform, which is
targeting $300 million of total investment in the space. More information, including a complete
list of current and former investments, please visit www.hggc.com.
Media Contact
Martina Chisholm
470-509-3059