Overland Park, Kansas-based Mariner Wealth Advisors said Wednesday that it acquired Sarasota, Florida-based Atlas Financial and Newport Beach, California-based Newport Advisory in deals that will add a combined total of about $878 million in assets under management (AUM).
The acquisitions expand Mariner’s footprint in both states, establishing the firm’s second offices in Sarasota and Newport Beach, it said. Atlas is Mariner’s eighth Florida office, and Newport Advisory is its 19th California office.
By expanding its presence in what it considers two key markets, Mariner “takes another step toward its vision of growing to 5,000 advisors by 2027,” the firm said in a release. The deals also grow Mariner’s national footprint to 126 U.S. offices.
Following the closing of both deals on Monday, Atlas Financial and Newport Advisory adopted the Mariner name and continue to operate with their existing teams, according to Mariner.
“As we welcome Atlas Financial and Newport Advisory to the Mariner family, we’re reinforcing our commitment to meeting clients where they are, both geographically and in their unique financial journeys,” said Marty Bicknell, Mariner CEO and President. “These firms bring a wealth of expertise and a client-first ethos that perfectly align with our values.”
“Their addition strengthens our capabilities while underscoring our belief that true growth comes from building strong, meaningful relationships—both with our clients and within our team,” he added.
Founded more than 25 years ago, Atlas Financial specializes in asset management, business continuity and wealth transfer strategies. It “emphasizes building long-term client relationships while offering tailored services such as retirement, estate, education, and business succession planning,” according to the news release. “Serving business owners and retirees, both current and future, the Atlas team focuses on addressing its clients’ most critical priorities, relationships and goals.”
“At Atlas Financial, we’re dedicated to helping our clients navigate their unique journeys—whether they’re focused on building wealth, preserving it, or simply enjoying the fruits of their labor,” said Orion Marx, Founder of Atlas Financial.
“Joining forces with Mariner unlocks a wealth of resources, expertise, and services that will enhance our ability to support our clients and their businesses every step of the way,” Marx added.
Newport Advisory, founded in 1995, “takes a holistic approach to financial planning, incorporating every aspect of a client’s financial life to create strategies that align with their goals and values,” according to Mariner.
“From retirement and education planning to tax strategies and liability management, Newport and its 12-person team offer comprehensive, tailored guidance, addressing clients’ needs today while building a foundation for tomorrow,” Mariner said.
“Joining Mariner marks a transformative new chapter for Newport Advisory,” according to Jim Regitz, Founder of Newport Advisory. “This partnership not only strengthens our ability to serve our clients but also opens the door to unparalleled resources and expertise that will elevate the level of care and solutions we deliver.”
“While we embrace this exciting evolution, our commitment to a holistic, client-centric philosophy remains steadfast, ensuring that every decision we make continues to prioritize the unique needs and aspirations of those we are privileged to serve,” Regitz added.
Dalphia Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to Atlas Financial in the transaction.
Privately held Mariner was founded in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, according to the firm. Mariner and its affiliates advised on more than $253 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, it said.
Jeff Berman, Contributing Editor and Reporter at Wealth Solutions Report, can be reached at jberman@wealthsolutionsreport.com.
