Merit Financial Advisors (“Merit”), a Georgia-based financial advisory firm thatspecializes in financial planning and wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families and those navigating life transitions, announced today it has acquired Access Investment Advisors (“AIA”). The firm, based in Manitowoc, WI will expand Merit’s existing presence in the region and increase Merit’s assets by $213 Million.

Founded by Will Casey, CFP®,  AIA specializes in investment management and financial planning. Will has over 40 years of experience in the industry and will join Merit as a Wealth Manager and Partner. AIA’s operations and client support teams will also join Merit. 

“I had been looking for some time for a partnership that would provide continuity to our clients as well as growth opportunities for our staff,” shared Will.  “Our relationship with Merit ensures that our clients will be well cared for into the future, and that they will continue to experience the same level of personal attention that they have grown accustomed to, from the same staff that they have grown to rely on. I am excited to bring Merit’s technology and tools to our clients to further enhance their experience with us.

This is Merit’s twenty-sixth acquisition since taking a minority investment in December 2020 from Wealth Partners Capital Group (“WPCG”) and a group of strategic investors led by HGGC’s Aspire Holdings platform. Earlier this month, Merit announced its acquisition of Viren and Associates, which added approximately $542 million in assets and expanded Merit’s presence in the Pacific Northwest.

“Will has achieved an outstanding reputation within the industry, largely due to his client-first approach and commitment to providing high-quality wealth management solutions,” said Nick Trepp, Principal at WPCG. “Will’s expertise and focus on client service compliments Merit’s strategy, and it is exciting to watch Merit continue to build a strong presence in Wisconsin, with a talented advisor like Will.”

“We are thrilled to welcome AIA to the Merit team,” said Joshua and Zachary Mersberger, Regional Directors at Merit Financial Advisors. “We are looking forward to broadening Merit’s footprint in Wisconsin and providing AIA clients with an even more robust level of service.”

The merger was finalized on March 22, 2024. Financial and legal terms of the deal were not disclosed.