Advisory M&A News – 12/1/2025

Wells Fargo Adviser Team Joins Ameriprise Financial

Harpland Financial Management from Wells Fargo Clearing Services recently joined the branch channel of Ameriprise Financial Inc. with more than $160 million in client assets.

The Houston-based practice includes Advisers Peter Horton and Serena Sneeringer and Client Service Associate Micah Horton. The practice is supported locally by Thomas Harris, complex director at Ameriprise, and Mitch Doren, Ameriprise regional vice president.

Ameriprise has a nationwide network of more than 10,000 advisers.

Chicago Adviser Duo Joins Cetera Financial

Matthew Callero and Christopher Callero, who operate as Callero Capital Management, have joined Cetera Financial Specialists within Cetera’s tax and accounting channel, led by Andy Watts.

Based in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Callero Capital Management provides comprehensive wealth management and retirement planning services to individuals, families and business owners. It oversaw nearly $265 million in assets under administration as of May 1.

Matthew and Christopher Callero, who are cousins, had a longstanding affiliation with Woodbury Financial Services and said their move was prompted by challenges stemming from Osaic’s integration of its broker/dealers.

Cetera has approximately 12,000 advisers and institutions, and it manages more than $625 billion in assets under administration and $284 billion in assets under management as of September 30.

Cetera Acquires 2 LPL-Affiliated Advisers

After nearly three decades with LPL, Scott Thaxton and Greg Pennini, who form the CarrThaxton Financial Group, have joined Cetera Financial Group. They served 1,200 client accounts and $350 million in assets as of September 30.

Thaxton and Pennini are part of the Cetera Advisors community within the adviser channel led by Tom Halloran.

Merit Financial Advisors Acquires Blueprint Wealth Advisers

Merit Financial Advisors, an Atlanta-based financial advisory firm, acquired Blueprint Wealth Advisors, with the deal finalized on November 14.

The acquisition expands the firm’s presence in Illinois and Wisconsin and entry into the Chicago market, adding $1.2 billion in total assets.

Merit specializes in financial planning and wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families and those navigating life transitions. Blueprint operates offices in Chicago; Rockford, Illinois; and Fitchburg, Wisconsin, providing comprehensive wealth management services for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Ryan Evans and Nick Wilkins, managing partners in and wealth advisers at Blueprint, will join Merit as regional directors and partners, along with their team.

Merit had $20.78 billion in assets under management, with $15.83 billion in assets under advisement, $2.65 billion in brokerage assets and $2.3 billion in retirement assets, as of September 30.