Waverly debuts in Pennsylvania with Planning Capital acquisition

Waverly debuts in Pennsylvania with Planning Capital acquisition
The RIA firm's latest partnership extends its reach to 12 states while boosting its assets to $15.9 billion.
DEC 17, 2024

Waverly Advisors is making its maiden foray into the greater Philadelphia area with its latest strategic partnership.

The PE-backed RIA announced Tuesday that it has acquired Planning Capital Management, a Pennsylvania-based investment advisory firm.

The deal marks Waverly’s tenth acquisition in 2024 and its twentieth since securing equity backing in late 2021.

Founded in 2001 by Richard Bell Jr., Planning Capital has served high-net-worth individuals, nonprofits, and institutional clients for more than 20 years. The firm’s approach integrates complex financial planning with clients’ broader personal and financial goals.

The entire Planning Capital team will be integrated into Waverly as part of the strategic partnership.

“Rick’s team is a dynamic group of talented professionals who are eager to help clients reach their financial goals,” Justin Russell, president of Waverly, said in a statement Tuesday. “Planning Capital’s holistic approach to comprehensive financial planning and wealth management aligns with ours, and we are thrilled to have them join the Waverly team.”

The acquisition pushes Waverly’s assets under management to approximately $15.9 billion and expands the firm’s footprint to 12 states. Waverly now operates 33 offices across the US, with more than 250 professionals on staff.

“By partnering with Waverly, our team has gained significant resources and infrastructure further enhancing our ability to serve clients,” Bell said.

Waverly began its acquisition strategy in 2021 after receiving investment from Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC’s Aspire Holdings platform. Some of its most significant transactions since then include its October deal for $1 billion planning firm 9258 Wealth Management and its early November deal for Buckingham Advisors, both of which were in Ohio.

Mac Selverian, principal at Wealth Partners Capital Group, emphasized Waverly’s continued growth through mergers and acquisitions.

“It has been an exciting year for Waverly, and we look forward to continued M&A momentum as we enter 2025,” Selverian said.

Latest News

Advisors handicap the brewing battle between Trump and Powell
Advisors handicap the brewing battle between Trump and Powell

It's a showdown for the ages as wealth managers assess its impact on client portfolios.

Savvy Wealth wooes Commonwealth advisors with Fidelity advantage
Savvy Wealth wooes Commonwealth advisors with Fidelity advantage

CEO Ritik Malhotra is leveraging Savvy Wealth's Fidelity partnership in offers to Commonwealth advisors, alongside “Acquisition Relief Boxes” filled with cookies, brownies, and aspirin.

Elder fraud complaints surge past $4.8 billion as investment scams lead losses
Elder fraud complaints surge past $4.8 billion as investment scams lead losses

Fraud losses among Americans 60 and older surged 43 percent in 2024, led by investment schemes involving crypto and social manipulation.

Apollo ramps up retail push with 'New Markets' division
Apollo ramps up retail push with 'New Markets' division

The alternatives giant's new unit, led by a 17-year veteran, will tap into four areas worth an estimated $60 trillion.

Commonwealth advisors, employees, let it all hang out on Reddit
Commonwealth advisors, employees, let it all hang out on Reddit

"It's like a soap opera," says one senior industry executive.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.