Hightower acquires $275 million Valley Financial Group

Hightower Advisors will acquire Pennsylvania-based Valley Financial Group, adding about $275 million in assets to Hightower Signature Wealth (HTSW), as it expands its national wealth management platform.

Valley is an independent advisory firm based in Ambler, providing financial planning and investment management services to individuals, families and businesses.

The transaction marks the second external acquisition into HTSW this year and advances Hightower’s strategy of expanding the practice with established advisory practices seeking greater scale, centralised capabilities and long-term growth.

Valley oversees approximately $275 million in assets under management (AUM) and provides comprehensive financial planning and investment management services to individuals, families and businesses.

“Valley has built a trusted advisory practice grounded in deep client relationships, thoughtful advice and a strong commitment to its community,” said Larry Restieri, chief executive officer of Hightower. “Welcoming Valley to HTSW further demonstrates the appeal of our integrated practice to established firms looking to accelerate growth, enhance the client experience and create longevity for their teams.”

HTSW provides integrated capabilities across investment management, financial planning, operations, technology, compliance, marketing and client service, allowing advisors to spend more time serving clients and growing their businesses.

“As we considered Valley’s next chapter, we wanted a partner that shared our client-first philosophy and could provide the resources to continue elevating the service we provide our clients,” said Kevin McGarry, managing partner of Valley Financial Group. “HTSW gives us greater scale and expanded capabilities while preserving the personal relationships that have always been at the heart of our firm.”

Valley serves clients throughout Greater Philadelphia, including individuals and families, business owners, corporate employees and first responders. The firm is also actively involved in non-profit and civic organisations across the region.

“Joining HTSW will strengthen the tools available to our team and expand how we serve clients across generations,” said Ed Woehlcke, CFP®, managing partner of Valley Financial Group. “We’re proud to become part of an organisation that shares our commitment to sustained relationships, collaboration and personalised financial advice.”

Upon closing, Valley’s employees will become part of HTSW and continue supporting clients from the practice’s Ambler office. Following the addition, HTSW will have approximately $40 billion in assets under management*, more than 160 advisors and more than 35 locations nationwide. Hightower expects to announce additional HTSW acquisitions through the end of the year.

The transaction is expected to close later this summer.

Re-disseminated by Wealth and Society