Mercer Global Advisors has acquired two registered investment advisory firms, adding nearly $1.7 billion in assets to the Denver-based firm's growing portfolio.
The largest of the two acquisitions, Waypoint Capital Advisors, headquartered in Minneapolis, manages close to $1 billion and focuses on serving ultrahigh-net-worth families. This strategic addition significantly expands Mercer’s ultrahigh-net-worth advisory services.
Mercer also bolstered its footprint in Colorado with the acquisition of Chapel & Collins, a Fort Collins-based RIA overseeing $675 million in assets. This acquisition pushes Mercer’s Denver-area assets under management to over $5 billion, further solidifying its market presence. The Waypoint acquisition alone brings Mercer’s ultrahigh-net-worth practice assets to over $15 billion.
Both transactions were finalized at the end of October.
Dave Welling, CEO of Mercer, describes Waypoint as a “terrific complement” to Mercer’s family office practice, noting that Waypoint’s expertise in managing complex financial lives of multigenerational wealth aligns seamlessly with Mercer’s client-centered approach.
The acquisitions mark Mercer’s fifth and sixth deals of 2024, and the firm reports more than 40 active deals in its acquisition pipeline, indicating a steady growth trajectory.
Martine Lellis, Mercer’s Head of Mergers and Acquisitions, highlights Chapel & Collins as a “shining example” of a firm that prioritizes financial planning at the core of client relationships, mirroring Mercer’s commitment to a client-first philosophy.
Dennis Collins, co-founder of Chapel & Collins, says the decision to join Mercer enables his firm to leverage Mercer’s extensive resources, empowering advisors to deepen relationships with current clients and attract new ones. “Families with multigenerational wealth often face complex financial challenges requiring a nuanced, thoughtful approach,” says Collins. “Partnering with a leading national fiduciary firm like Mercer allows our advisors to deliver enhanced, customized service to our ultrahigh-net-worth clients.”
