RIA founders considering a transaction often ask the same question: “What’s my firm worth?” In 2025’s active deal market, valuation isn’t just about assets under management—it’s about what drives durable value. Here’s what sets premium deals apart: Scale…

In today’s dynamic M&A landscape, RIA founders face a critical decision: what type of partner best aligns with your goals for liquidity, control, and growth? With more options than ever, selecting the right structure can…

A typical purchase agreement includes language like this: Section 1.1 Purchase Price This formula reflects a common M&A mechanism: the working capital purchase price adjustment (PPA). While it may look like a technical accounting footnote,…

In any M&A transaction, the financials tell only part of the story. The rest? It’s buried in the paperwork—specifically, the vendor contracts. When evaluating a company for acquisition, one of the most overlooked (yet critical)…

Nearly half of RIA founders are nearing retirement, yet only 20% believe their next-generation talent can afford to buy them out – down from 38% just four years ago. With internal succession pathways narrowing, external M&A is becoming…