Independent wealth management consolidation accelerated in late May as three major RIAs—Mariner Wealth Advisors, Savant Wealth Management, and Cerity Partners—announced acquisitions that expand their geographic footprint and service capabilities. The deals, two in California and one in New Mexico, add specialized expertise in entertainment, tax planning, and retirement advisory.
Mariner Wealth Advisors acquired Wealth Conscious Management, a California-based RIA overseeing approximately $320 million in assets. The firm, founded by Tyler Robuck and Bennett Gross, serves clients in the entertainment industry, including Grammy and Emmy Award winners. These clients face unique financial challenges such as irregular contract-driven income, tight decision windows, and managing wealth under public scrutiny. The deal, which closed May 31, brings Mariner's California office count to 22 and extends its national footprint to 42 states and Puerto Rico. Mariner President and CEO Marty Bicknell noted the firm's focus on partnering with advisors who prioritize high-touch client experiences.
Cerity Partners merged with Allmon, DiBernardo & Associates, a Torrance, California-based CPA and tax planning firm founded in 1999. The practice will be absorbed into Cerity's El Segundo office, adding fractional CFO capabilities and full-service bookkeeping alongside core tax planning for business owners, high-net-worth families, and real estate investors. Claire O'Keefe, partner and head of partner development at Cerity Partners, said the merger enhances the firm's ability to deliver integrated wealth management and tax services in Southern California.
Savant Wealth Management partnered with Albuquerque-based Meridian Wealth Advisors and its affiliate Meridian Tax Advisors, adding approximately $168 million in client assets. The deal, also closed May 31, gives Savant a second New Mexico location alongside its existing Santa Fe office. Scott Floersheim, who founded Meridian in 2006, joins as a member-owner, focusing on high-net-worth individuals and couples approaching or in retirement across central New Mexico. FP Transitions facilitated the transaction on Meridian's behalf; financial terms were not disclosed.
The acquisitions reflect broader trends in the RIA space, where firms seek to differentiate through niche expertise. Mariner's move into entertainment advisory mirrors similar strategies by other consolidators, such as Wealthspire's Ground Control acquiring Arena Wealth to expand its UK golf niche. Meanwhile, Cerity's addition of tax capabilities aligns with the growing demand for holistic financial planning, as seen in Bluespring Wealth's formation of a dedicated RIA entity to centralize compliance.
Savant's expansion in New Mexico underscores the appeal of underserved markets. The firm, headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, now has two offices in the state, leveraging Floersheim's local relationships and tax expertise. Brent Brodeski, founder and CEO of Savant, emphasized the alignment of fiduciary values and client-first philosophy.
These deals come amid a record pace of M&A activity in the wealth management industry. According to industry data, the number of RIA transactions reached 589 in 2025, with software capturing 72% of North American M&A. However, traditional advisory acquisitions remain robust, as firms seek to add scale and specialized capabilities.
The acquisitions also highlight the importance of tax and estate planning in serving high-net-worth clients. With the potential for changes in tax policy under the current administration, RIAs are increasingly integrating tax advisory services to provide comprehensive solutions. Cerity's merger with Allmon, DiBernardo & Associates positions the firm to meet this demand in Southern California.
As consolidation continues, advisors and clients alike are watching for further moves. Mariner, Savant, and Cerity each demonstrated distinct strategic priorities, from entertainment niche to tax integration to regional expansion. The deals closed on May 31 signal ongoing momentum in the RIA space.
