Safeguard Investment Advisory Group Acquires Solutions First Financial Group

Merit Financial Advisors Acquires Safeguard Wealth Management

April 25, 2025

Wealth Management

Merit Financial Advisors acquired Safeguard Wealth Management, a fully virtual financial planning firm, in a deal finalized April 25, 2025. The acquisition adds approximately $597 million of assets and enhances Merit's digital marketing and content capabilities through Safeguard's successful YouTube platform; Safeguard co-founders Eric Sajdak and Anthony Hellenbrand will join Merit.

GCG Advisory Partners Acquires First Fidelity Financial Group of Atlanta

January 9, 2025

Financial Services

GCG Advisory Partners LLC has acquired First Fidelity Financial Group of Atlanta, a boutique financial advisory firm managing over $170 million in client assets. The deal expands GCG AP’s Atlanta footprint (adding ~ $400M+ in local client assets toward its ~$2.9B AUM) and brings the First Fidelity advisors into an equity partnership with GCG while maintaining client experience and platform relationships (notably with Osaic).

Risk Strategies Acquires First Insurance Group from Premier Financial Corp.

June 30, 2023

Insurance

Risk Strategies has acquired Ohio-based First Insurance Group from Premier Financial Corp., adding scale and specialty insurance capabilities in Ohio. First Insurance Group will operate as a division of Risk Strategies, bringing local expertise in commercial and personal lines, employee benefits, and risk management.

Heffernan Financial Services Acquires Ascendant Financial Solutions

May 1, 2023

Financial Services

Heffernan Financial Services acquired Ascendant Financial Solutions, a Registered Investment Advisor with offices in Flagstaff, Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. Founder JD Hoyt and his team joined Heffernan effective May 1, 2023, expanding Heffernan’s wealth management capabilities and presence in Arizona.

First American Financial Corporation Acquires 1031 Solutions

February 2, 2023

Financial Services

First American Financial Corporation has completed the acquisition of the assets of 1031 Solutions, LLC, a Boulder-based qualified intermediary that provides 1031 exchange services for real estate investors, attorneys and tax advisors. 1031 Solutions' capabilities will be integrated under the First American Exchange Company brand, and founders Richard and Linda Levy will assist with the transition to support growth in the Rocky Mountain region.

Simplicity Group Acquires Advisors Financial Group

February 3, 2021

Insurance

Simplicity Group completed the acquisition of Advisors Financial Group, an independent life and annuity insurance distribution business, effective February 1, 2021. Greg Patterson joined Simplicity as a partner and shareholder as part of the deal; Advisors Financial Group will operate as part of Simplicity’s distribution platform (the 19th organization to join).