In a strategic move to bolster its position as a comprehensive financial advisory firm, Mariner has announced the acquisition of Woodbridge International, a New Haven, Connecticut-based mergers and acquisitions firm. The acquisition, finalized on August 30, 2024, marks a significant expansion of Mariner’s capabilities in sell-side M&A advisory services, leveraging Woodbridge’s 30-year expertise and global reach.
Woodbridge International, known for its innovative approach to sell-side M&A transactions, brings a wealth of experience across various industries to Mariner. With offices in New Haven, CT and Cape Town, South Africa, Woodbridge boasts an extensive global database of 8,400 private equity groups and 410,000 strategic companies, allowing it to cast one of the widest nets in the industry for identifying potential buyers.
Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner, emphasized the transformative nature of this acquisition, stating, ‘The integration of Woodbridge International into the Mariner family marks a transformative step in our mission to deliver comprehensive, client-focused financial services.’ He highlighted the alignment of Woodbridge’s commitment to client-centric solutions with Mariner’s core values, enabling the firm to offer broader services and empower clients in navigating complex M&A processes.
The acquisition comes at a critical time in the financial advisory landscape. With projections indicating that 35% of financial advisors are expected to retire over the next decade and $17 trillion in small businesses are set to be sold in the next 20 years, Mariner’s enhanced capabilities position it to better support its 1,200 business owner clients, particularly during key business transitions.
Robert Koenig, CEO of Woodbridge International, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, noting the potential for significant growth. ‘We now have a clear path to potentially double our business within the next few years,’ Koenig stated, emphasizing the opportunity to expand offerings and provide increased value to clients, especially in anticipation of the expected wave of baby boomer business exits.
The integration of Woodbridge’s team and operations into Mariner’s existing structure is expected to be completed by the end of the year. To ensure continuity for clients and employees, Woodbridge International will maintain its current offices and continue to operate under its established brand for a transitional period.
This acquisition significantly strengthens Mariner’s position in the wealth advisory market. Founded in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, Mariner and its affiliates now advise on over $245 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024. The firm’s comprehensive approach, which includes in-house professionals covering tax, estate, trust, insurance, investment banking, and valuation services, allows for the creation of unified wealth plans tailored to client needs.
The merger of Mariner and Woodbridge International represents a strategic response to evolving market dynamics and client needs in the financial advisory sector. By combining Mariner’s comprehensive wealth management services with Woodbridge’s specialized M&A expertise, the newly expanded firm is well-positioned to address the complex financial needs of business owners and high-net-worth individuals in an increasingly competitive landscape.
As the financial services industry continues to evolve, this acquisition underscores the importance of offering diverse, specialized services to meet the changing needs of clients. It also highlights the trend of consolidation within the financial advisory sector, as firms seek to expand their capabilities and market reach through strategic acquisitions.
For clients of both Mariner and Woodbridge International, this merger promises access to a broader range of services and expertise, potentially leading to more comprehensive and effective financial strategies. The combined entity’s enhanced capabilities in M&A advisory services could prove particularly valuable as a significant number of business owners approach retirement age and consider exit strategies.
As Mariner integrates Woodbridge International’s expertise and global network, the firm is poised to play a more significant role in the middle-market M&A space, potentially influencing deal-making trends and practices in this segment of the market. The success of this acquisition could serve as a model for other wealth advisory firms looking to expand their
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