Mariner Wealth Advisors has acquired Bloomfield Hills, MI-based Heber Fuger Wendin Investment Advisors (HFW), further expanding the firm’s scale, expertise and integrated capabilities across the U.S., according to an Aug. 2 announcement.
With origins dating back to 1934, HFW manages $8.6 billion in assets under management and is led by President and CEO Dave Barnes. Moreover, HFW’s focus on advising community banks and credit unions is a previously untapped clientele for the wealth advisory firm.
“At Mariner Wealth Advisors, we know that true client service goes beyond the portfolio, and this is a motto that HFW lives by every day,” said Marty Bicknell, CEO and President of Mariner Wealth Advisors. “In addition to being aligned with their business philosophy, we’re excited to work with them to grow their very valuable offering supporting community banks and credit unions.”
HFW was ranked No. 17 on the RIA Channel’s list of top 50 wealth managers by growth in assets from 2020 to 2021. In addition to community banks and credit unions, the firm advises clients across the Midwest and Southern U.S., including insurance companies, hospitals, foundations, manufacturing companies and individuals seeking a wealth advisory partner.
“Mariner Wealth Advisors fully understands and appreciates their status as a fiduciary who, like HFW, is inspired to act in the best interest of their clients and put the clients’ interests first,” stated Barnes. “We’re eager to be progressing to this next stage in our development backed by the support and resources of the Mariner Wealth Advisors team.”
HFW assumed the Mariner Wealth Advisors name following the July 31 closing and continues operations as before with its current team of 11. This is Mariner Wealth Advisors’ 75th location nationwide, fourth office in Michigan and second in Bloomfield Hills.
ECHELON Partners served as the financial advisor to HFW in the transaction.
