Hightower announces its fifth acquisition of the year with the planned acquisition of Financial Planning and Information Services (FPIS), a $1.1 billion registered investment advisor (RIA) based in De Pere, Wisconsin.
Founded in 1985 and serving the Green Bay area, FPIS specializes in fee-only financial planning and portfolio management. The firm has built its reputation on a high-touch, personalized service model, which remains the foundation of its client relationships nearly four decades later.
"Hightower and FPIS share a commitment to fostering long-term, generational wealth relationships within our communities," says Hightower Chairman and CEO Bob Oros. "This acquisition reflects our alignment in values and dedication to high-net-worth clients."
Currently under second-generation leadership, FPIS is led by President and CEO Ryan Wempe, alongside Vice Presidents Dan Budinger and Rachel Brown. While the firm has two charitable clients, it predominantly serves an affluent retail clientele, with nearly 75% of assets held by high-net-worth individuals.
FPIS’s 16-member team will maintain its established branding and local presence while integrating into the Hightower family.
For Wempe, joining Hightower opens up a wealth of resources, including enhanced marketing and business development support, back-office services like compliance, accounting, payroll, and HR. Hightower’s in-house accounting support and planned expansion of investment options through its partnership with NEPC—an outsourced chief investment officer providing a range of alternative investments—adds further value.
"Hightower’s platform brings valuable tools that will enable us to navigate our clients through life’s challenges and successes with greater support," Wempe says.
Hightower anticipates finalizing the acquisition by the end of the year.
