Mariner Wealth Advisors, a national wealth advisory firm, is set to acquire Pittsburgh-based Executive Wealth Counselors, LLC in a deal set to close at the end of the month. This acquisition builds on Mariner Wealth Advisors’ existing reach across Pennsylvania, marking its seventh office in the state and second in the Pittsburgh area. The deal will also widely expand Executive Wealth Counselors’ capabilities to new services including tax planning and tax preparation, estate planning and trust services, innovative advisory technology and access to unique investment strategies.
Executive Wealth Counselors was founded in 2007 and currently has four associates, including three advisors, who specialize in offering personalized wealth, investment and portfolio management to high-net-worth clients. Led by owner Louis “Lou” Valli, the firm currently oversees $256 million assets under advisement. Joining Mariner Wealth Advisors will allow its advisors to prioritize what they love, the client experience, with the added behind-the-scenes support offered by Mariner Wealth Advisors’ expansive service offerings.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the incredible team at Executive Wealth Counselors to our growing family,” said Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner Wealth Advisors. “Not only are they highly capable in helping their clients reach their goals, but they also understand the value of true client service and getting to know the person behind the portfolio. This firm folds in perfectly to what we do here at Mariner Wealth Advisors, and I think our services and growth opportunities are a perfect match for their advisors.”
Valli’s decision to join Mariner Wealth Advisors is a strategic move to elevate the firm’s growth strategy and service offerings in a changing industry where larger firms continue to present greater competition. Also instrumental in his decision was the positive referral from Bob Lohman, founder of Commonwealth Advisory Group, a firm that joined Mariner Wealth Advisors in 2021.
“Partnering with Mariner Wealth Advisors lends us the broad and extensive capabilities of a top- tier wealth advisory firm while still allowing us to maintain our personalized client-centric philosophy and approach, which is something we take great pride in,” said Valli. “I’m confident this move will give both our clients and our advisors the growth opportunities they deserve.”
Executive Wealth Counselors will assume the Mariner Wealth Advisors name when the deal closes Sept. 30, 2022, and the firm will continue to operate with its current team in place. This will be Mariner Wealth Advisors’ 77th location nationwide.
“Continuing to add talented wealth advisors is a crucial part of our ongoing inorganic growth strategy. We want to be able to help as many people as possible with our services and solutions,” added Bicknell. “This will be an ongoing effort for us for the foreseeable future.”
