EP Wealth Advisors: Acquisition Of Gather Financial Planning And Riley Private Client

By Amit Chowdhry • Nov 6, 2024

EP Wealth Advisors, a leading fee-only RIA with an expanding national footprint and client base, announced the acquisition of Gather Financial Planning in Maine and Riley Private Client in Texas. These new firms—which join existing EP regions—will gain access to EP Wealth’s expansive offerings and growth strategies while adding over $240 million to its assets under management (AUM).

Gather Financial Planning (offices in Bangor and Falmouth, Maine) will contribute to EP’s rapid growth in Northern New England. And since 2022, EP has partnered with three firms to establish offices throughout Maine, New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, in addition to EP’s presence in Boston.

Founded by Michael Goldman and Abby Morton, Gather Financial emphasizes a collaborative approach to aligning clients’ financial and life goals with personalized plans. And EP Wealth regional directors Jeffrey Burch and Scott Upham identified Gather Financial as a valuable addition to the firm. Goldman will join EP Wealth as a vice president and advisor, along with a team of five professionals.

Based in Graham, Texas, Riley Private Client has been led by Doug Jones since the passing of founder Bill Riley in 2022. And Jones will join EP Wealth as a vice president and advisor, accompanied by a client relationship associate. Dallas Regional Director Frank Sloan initiated the acquisition of Riley Private Client, similar to Sloan Investment Management, which joined the EP family in July. EP now manages more than $1.2 billion in the North Texas region.

EP Wealth has completed seven acquisitions this year. The financial and legal terms of the deals will not be disclosed.

KEY QUOTES:

“In addition to the 15,000 clients we are serving today, we see an opportunity to serve even more families across the country while staying true to our mission of enriching lives through guidance in achieving their financial goals. Partnerships with firms like Gather Financial and Riley Private Client enable us to extend our reach, offering clients the personalized attention of a boutique firm while benefiting from the resources and capabilities of the larger organization EP has built.”

  • Ryan Parker, CEO of EP Wealth

“Since 2013, Gather Financial Planning has proudly served New England, building lasting relationships with our clients through our dedicated team. Joining EP Wealth will provide additional resources and expertise, such as tax and estate planning services, which will help us deliver even greater value to our current and future clients.”

  • Michael Goldman

“Our team is excited to continue as part of EP Wealth and build on the legacy of Riley Private Client. Our familiarity with the former Sloan team strengthened our confidence we have in partnering with a firm like EP.”

  • Doug Jones