Blue Ridge Associates, a provider of technology-enabled administration and compliance solutions for employer-sponsored, tax-advantaged equity compensation and savings plan benefits, has acquired AmbroseAdvisors’ ESOP third-party administration services business, a boutique investment banking and financial advisory firm known for its technical expertise in employee ownership.
Under the transaction, AmbroseAdvisors’ ESOP administration team and its ESOP administration clients will transition to Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge said the move strengthens its position in ESOP administration and expands its bench of ESOP professionals and client relationships as demand for ESOP formation and related services accelerates.
AmbroseAdvisors co-founder Marcus R. Piquet will remain with AmbroseAdvisors and continue supporting the firm’s advisory and employee-ownership initiatives, while ESOP administration responsibilities move to Blue Ridge. The companies positioned the shift as a way for AmbroseAdvisors to focus on advisory work while placing administration clients onto Blue Ridge’s dedicated ESOP administration platform and onboarding process.
Blue Ridge said clients transitioning as part of the deal will have access to its ESOP administration platform, experienced leadership, and an onboarding approach designed to support continuity and long-term outcomes.
Blue Ridge, founded in 1988, said it serves thousands of plans and plan sponsors nationwide. AmbroseAdvisors, founded in 2015, focuses on middle-market liquidity and exit planning, including ESOP transactions, sell-side M&A, dual-track strategies, capital placements, and business valuations. Blue Ridge also highlighted Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, describing the firm’s structured private equity approach and global footprint.
KEY QUOTES
“In light of recent unprecedented demand for ESOP formation and related advisory services, AmbroseAdvisors has decided to transition all ESOP third-party administration services to Blue Ridge Associates, the market leader in this space. This decision allows us to concentrate our focus on expanding employee-ownership opportunities, while ensuring ESOP clients are fully supported by the industry’s leading ESOP administration firm, Blue Ridge.”
Marcus R. Piquet, CPA, Co-Founder, AmbroseAdvisors
“This is an exciting growth milestone for Blue Ridge. Through this strategic partnership, we add a team of ESOP professionals with deep ESOP knowledge, strong client relationships and shared commitment to employee ownership, a premier group of ESOP plan clients, and the opportunity to partner with AmbroseAdvisors to offer an end-to-end solution to meet the growing demand for ESOP formations.”
Mark Agustin, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Ridge
