-Merit Financial Advisors (“Merit”), a Georgia-based financial advisory firm that specializes in financial planning and wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families and those navigating life transitions, has acquired Consilium Financial Group (“Consilium”). The acquisition expands Merit’s presence in its headquarters of Atlanta and enhances the firm’s financial planning capabilities.

Consilium is a comprehensive financial planning and wealth management firm based in Roswell, Georgia. Founded by Kirk Wilkerson, CIMA®, CFF, and Andy Lubben, CFP®, the firm provides risk management, tax planning, estate planning and investment services for high-net-worth individuals and families. Consilium first aligned with Merit in 2015 through its Independent Advisor Partner Program, integrating with the firm’s investment offerings and operational support. The acquisition allows Consilium team members and clients to access Merit’s full suite of services, resources and solutions. The entire Consilium staff will join Merit, with Wilkerson and Lubben each assuming the role of Regional Director. The firm manages $291 million in client assets.

“Our team at Merit is driven by a commitment to delivering superior client services and designing personalized solutions that advance our clients’ financial and life goals,” said Rick Kent, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Merit. “Our long-term growth is fueled by aligning with firms that share this philosophy. We have had the pleasure of working closely with Andy, Kirk and the Consilium team for the last six years, and we are thrilled to fully integrate them into the Merit family.”

Wilkerson and Lubben added: “Our existing partnership with Merit has been a significant driver of our growth. As we look to the future, we recognize the tremendous potential a deeper alignment with the firm presents for our clients and business. We are excited to leverage Merit’s resources for our clients, helping to enhance their experience with our team and extend our ability to support their long-term financial goals.”

This is Merit’s first acquisition since taking a minority growth investment in December 2020 from Wealth Partners Capital Group (“WPCG”), a financial services holding company, and a group of strategic investors led by middle-market private equity firm HGGC. The investment will support Merit’s ongoing and strategic growth trajectory as it seeks to acquire like-minded advisors and teams.

“We are excited to close this transaction with Merit,” said Rich Gill, Senior Partner of WPCG. “The financial services industry continues to evolve and consolidate, and the Consilium/Merit partnership underscores the importance of attracting and retaining experienced advisors and leaders with strong cultural alignment.”

The acquisition closed on July 30, 2021. Financial and legal terms of the deal were not disclosed.