Advisory M&A News – 1/28/2026

Cetera Completes Acquisition of $1.9B Louisiana Firm      

Cetera Financial Group Inc. completed the acquisition of  Darnall Sikes Wealth Partners LLC, a Louisiana-based wealth management firm that serves high-net-worth individuals, business owners and their families. The acquisition adds $1.9 billion to Cetera’s registered investment advisory model and builds on the longstanding affiliation between Darnall Sikes and Avantax, a Cetera company. The Darnall Sikes team serves clients in more than 40 states from four locations across Louisiana and Missouri. It joins Avantax Planning Partners within Cetera’s RIA registered investment advisory model.

Darnall Sikes & Frederick, an affiliated Louisiana-based CPA firm, remains independent and has entered a long-term, strategic partnership with Cetera to further support shared clients.

“This transaction delivers best-in-class support in both areas—positioning us for long-term success. … We’re expanding the services we offer, deepening client relationships and growing our business with a clear strategic vision for the future,” said Jed Inzerella, at a Darnall Sikes financial adviser, in a statement.

The transaction is the latest involving Cetera’s RIA & Branches channel, which launched in June 2025 and supports independent RIA.

Cetera Financial Group has 12,000 advisers and institutions, and as of September 30, 2025, had approximately $625 billion in assets under administration and $284 billion in assets under management.

Bluespring Wealth Partners, Coghill Investment Strategies Announce Partnership

Bluespring Wealth Partners LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kestra Financial Inc., and Pittsburgh-based wealth management firm Coghill Investment Strategies LLC announced a partnership.

Coghill, which oversees $600 million in assets under management, provides generational wealth management and specialized guidance for business owners and executives through tax-efficient strategies, while offering support for individuals navigating life transitions.

“When thinking about the future of our business, my partners and I were intentional about aligning with an organization that shares our values, provides strategic support and creates opportunities for our team,” said Cohill Founder Carrie Coghill in a statement.

“Carrie and her team have built an exceptional firm defined by deep relationships, strong values and intentional multi-generational leadership,” said Pradeep Jayaraman, Bluespring’s president, in a statement. “Their focus on continuity and client outcomes aligns perfectly with how Bluespring measures success across our partner firms.”

The announcement brings Bluespring’s assets under management to $6 billion.

Mission Wealth Merges with PBL Wealth Management

Mission Wealth Management L.P., a registered investment adviser, announced a strategic merger with Austin, Texas-based PBL Wealth Management LLC, an independent wealth advisory firm.

Adam Broughton, founder of PBL Wealth Management, will join Mission Wealth as a partner and senior wealth adviser. The partnership expands Mission Wealth’s presence in Texas.

PBL Wealth Management works with high-income professionals and business leaders to help them plan and manage growing wealth. The firm’s advisory services include portfolio management, advanced tax modeling, equity-based compensation guidance and retirement income planning.

“Joining Mission Wealth provides our clients access to a broader platform while preserving the personalized, fiduciary approach that defines our practice,” said Broughton in a statement. “This partnership further strengthens our ability to deliver coordinated strategies across tax, investment and long-term planning.”

Veteran Adviser Affiliates with Osaic

Osaic Inc., a wealth management strategy provider, announced that Chris Livingston, a veteran financial adviser with more than 25 years of industry experience, has affiliated with the firm and joined Oakfield Wealth Management Group, an Osaic-affiliated team led by Anthony Macaluso.

Livingston, a Brooklyn, New York-based adviser, brings $164 million in assets under administration. He joins Osaic following 26 years with Santander Securities, where he most recently served as senior vice president.

“Moving to Osaic and joining Oakfield Wealth Management allows me to deliver truly independent advice while leveraging the resources, technology and support of a leading wealth management platform,” Livingston said in a statement. “It’s the best of both worlds—entrepreneurial freedom paired with the institutional strength and scale needed to serve clients at the highest level.”

Corient Acquires Palo Alto Advisory Business

Corient IA LLC, a wealth adviser firm focused on ultra-high- and high-net-worth investors, acquired Palo Alto Wealth Advisors LLC, a registered investment adviser based in Palo Alto, California, with $76.7 million in assets under management.

The transaction expands Corient’s presence in California and reinforces its growing footprint in Silicon Valley. Founded by Ryan Schmidt and Nate Blair, Palo Alto Wealth Advisors delivered tailored advice to technology professionals and their families. As part of the transaction, the Palo Alto team members joined Corient.

“The Palo Alto team shares that focus and brings additional depth that strengthens our leadership in the space said Kurt MacAlpine, a partner in and the CEO of Corient, in a statement. “Their culture, experience and client-first approach make them an exceptional addition to the Corient Partnership, and I’m thrilled to welcome them.”

Corient has more than 260 partners and more than 1,300 employees and managed approximately $218 billion as of December 31, 2025.