Mariner announced two acquisitions totaling approximately $500 million in assets, adding multigenerational advisory teams from St. Louis and Timonium, Maryland as part of its strategy to support long-term growth, client continuity, and next-generation advisor development.
The transactions include a St. Louis-based team led by Blake Dunlop and Connor Dunlop, overseeing about $400 million in assets, and a Timonium, Maryland-based team led by Grant Palmer III, managing approximately $100 million. Both teams have joined Mariner to access its integrated platform and in-house capabilities, allowing them to expand their advisory services and deepen client relationships.
The deals reflect a broader industry trend as wealth management firms seek partners that can help them scale operations, navigate evolving market conditions, and plan for generational succession. Both advisory teams emphasized the importance of maintaining client relationships while positioning their businesses for future growth.
Mariner said its model is designed to remove operational complexity and provide advisors with the resources needed to grow enduring, multigenerational practices.
The Dunlop-led practice, a three-person team, serves families, business owners, professional athletes, and executives with comprehensive financial planning. The Palmer-led firm has nearly three decades of experience and focuses on evidence-based investing and retirement planning.
Both teams have adopted the Mariner name and brand following the completion of the transactions on March 31 and April 15. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
KEY QUOTES
“Growth, for us, is intentional, rooted in relationships, and guided by our purpose to positively impact the lives of many. Advisors join Mariner because they want a partner who can help them evolve and build enduring businesses across generations. We support their goals by removing operational complexity and expanding their capabilities, giving them more confidence in what comes next.”
Marty Bicknell, President And CEO, Mariner
“After working in partnership with Blake for more than 20 years and taking on more of the day-to-day operations over the past seven, it became clear we needed a like-minded firm who could fully help advance our long-term growth objectives. We’re proud of the foundation we’ve built together and are excited to leverage Mariner’s leading investment infrastructure for our current and future clients.”
Connor Dunlop, Financial Advisor And Managing Principal, Dunlop-Led Practice
“Our philosophy has always been to help clients find clarity and confidence throughout their financial journey. By joining Mariner, we can continue delivering personalized advice while broadening the resources available to navigate a more complex set of financial decisions.”
Grant Palmer III, Financial Advisor, Palmer-Led Practice
