Updated
Updated · Wealth Management · Sep 18
Cerity Partners Buys $2 Billion Gilbert & Cook, Entering Iowa Market
Updated
Updated · Wealth Management · Sep 18

Cerity Partners Buys $2 Billion Gilbert & Cook, Entering Iowa Market

3 articles · Updated · Wealth Management · Sep 18

Summary

  • Cerity Partners agreed to acquire Gilbert & Cook, a West Des Moines wealth manager with about $2 billion in client assets, in a deal expected to close by the end of September.
  • The acquisition gives the $160 billion New York-based RIA its first foothold in Iowa and extends its expansion strategy into another regional market.
  • Gilbert & Cook, founded in 1993 by managing partner Linda Cook, will gain access to broader services including financial planning, investment management, estate planning and private family office capabilities.
  • Cerity has been an active buyer in wealth management; in July it acquired Portland-based Cordant Wealth Partners, which managed about $370 million in client assets.

Insights

What hidden financial terms convinced a 30-year-old Iowa wealth firm to surrender its independence to a $160 billion giant?
Is the aggressive acquisition of regional advisors truly about expanding services, or a race to harvest valuable financial data?
As private equity fuels massive wealth management mergers, will boutique clients lose their personalized touch to corporate efficiency?