Merit Financial Advisors, a Georgia-based financial advisory firm focused on financial planning and wealth management for high-net-worth individuals and families, has acquired TL Financial Group in a move that establishes Merit’s first office in Michigan. The deal expands Merit’s footprint into the Detroit metropolitan area and adds approximately $217 million in total assets.
TL Financial Group, based in Southgate, Michigan, provides wealth management services for high-net-worth individuals, pre-retirees, and retirees, with an emphasis on in-depth financial, estate, and tax planning. Merit said the combination is intended to create new growth opportunities for TL’s team while adding resources and capabilities that were not previously available through TL’s current broker-dealer, Commonwealth.
As part of the transaction, Tony LaJeunesse, founder and president of TL, will join Merit as wealth manager, area director, and partner, alongside his team. Merit also highlighted continued momentum in recruiting advisors transitioning from Commonwealth, including Alex Hansen, Merit’s chief advisor success officer, as well as Blueprint Wealth Advisors and Global Wealth Advisors.
The acquisition is Merit’s fifty-fourth, following a recent transaction involving SSC Wealth, LLC, which the firm said strengthened its platform through a strategic advisor-CPA partnership and added $259.6 million in assets.
Merit said the transaction was finalized on January 23, 2026. M&A consultants Austin Moon and Jeff Nash of Bridgemark Strategies advised on the deal. Financial and legal terms were not disclosed.
Merit reported it has over 55 offices across the U.S. and managed $24.69 billion in assets as of January 1, 2026, including $17.86 billion in advisory assets, $2.73 billion in brokerage assets, $2.3 billion in retirement assets, and $1.8 billion in ESOP assets. The firm is backed by Constellation Wealth Capital, an alternative asset management platform focused on the wealth management sector.
KEY QUOTES
“Expanding into a new state isn’t just about the geography; it’s about having the right people in place. TL’s team is deeply rooted in the Detroit area community and brings deep planning expertise, long-term client relationships, and a client-first culture. This is precisely the type of firm we look for as we thoughtfully introduce Merit to new markets.”
Zach Mersberger, Managing Principal And Partner, Merit Financial Advisors
“I’m incredibly excited about this next chapter and what it means for the families we serve. As our team has grown, it became clear that partnering with a firm that shares our values was the right next step. Merit provides the resources and infrastructure that allow our team to remain focused on delivering thoughtful planning and disciplined investment guidance. Together, this partnership strengthens our ability to support our clients for the years ahead.”
Tony LaJeunesse, Founder And President, TL Financial Group
