Merchant Investment Management on Wednesday announced a “strategic partnership” with Lexington, Kentucky-based Meridian Wealth Management in which Merchant invested in the RIA, which managed more than $4.2 billion in client assets as of June 30.
The minority stake in Meridian closed in the second quarter, a Merchant spokesperson told WSR.
Meridian, founded in 2010 by CEO Greg Couch, has nine offices in six U.S. states: Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana and Texas.
The investment provides Meridian with resources, capital and access to Merchant’s network of independent firms and service providers, according to the firms.
“We’ve always believed that the best wealth management comes from putting people first—our clients and our advisors,” Couch said in a news release. “Partnering with Merchant allows us to deepen that commitment while accelerating our national growth. Their long-term mindset and collaborative approach align perfectly with our values and our mission.”
The advisory firm uses multiple custodians and offers services including investment management, estate planning, financial planning and retirement consulting to high net worth families, institutional investors and nonprofit organizations, according to the firms.
Since 2022, the RIA expanded its assets under management (AUM) from $1.8 billion to over $4.2 billion, while adding over 20 advisors and six offices, the firms said.
Meridian credits its recent growth to its culture and the “value it places on advisor independence,” according to the companies.
“In this industry, relationships matter, and this one started the way many great partnerships do, through mutual connections and shared values,” Tim Bello, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Merchant, told WSR. “What began as a friendship quickly evolved into something bigger, with institutional alignment and a shared long-term vision. Partnering with Greg and the Meridian team felt natural. It’s a relationship built on trust, collaboration and a joint commitment to growth.”
“Our partnership with Meridian reflects Merchant’s belief in backing firms that combine strategic clarity with a deep sense of purpose,” Bello said in the news release.
He added, “Greg and his team have built an exceptional business—grounded in trust, independence, and true client alignment. We’re excited to support their continued growth, expand their national reach and help bring their vision to more advisors and families across the country.”
Merchant said it has over 115 partner firms and RIA practices in six countries, managing more than $250 billion in combined assets.
Jeff Berman, Contributing Editor and Reporter at Wealth Solutions Report, can be reached at jeff.berman@wealthsolutionsreport.com.
