Mariner Expands M&A Advisory Services with Acquisition of Woodbridge International

Mariner, a national wealth advisory firm, has announced its acquisition of Woodbridge International, a New Haven, Connecticut-based mergers and acquisitions firm specializing in middle-market transactions. This strategic move, finalized on August 30, 2024, marks a significant expansion of Mariner's capabilities in the M&A advisory sector and reinforces its position as a comprehensive financial services provider.

Woodbridge International, known for its innovative approach to sell-side M&A transactions, brings over three decades of expertise to Mariner. With offices in New Haven, CT and Cape Town, South Africa, Woodbridge boasts an extensive global network, including a database of 8,400 private equity groups and 410,000 strategic companies. This broad reach enables Woodbridge to quickly identify a wide array of potential buyers, a capability that will now benefit Mariner's clients.

Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, "The integration of Woodbridge International into the Mariner family marks a transformative step in our mission to deliver comprehensive, client-focused financial services." Bicknell highlighted the alignment between Woodbridge's successful track record and Mariner's core values, noting that the acquisition will empower clients to navigate M&A complexities with greater confidence.

The acquisition comes at a pivotal time in the financial advisory landscape. With projections indicating that 35% of financial advisors are expected to retire over the next decade and an estimated $17 trillion in small businesses slated for sale in the coming 20 years, Mariner is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of its clients, particularly its 1,200 business owner clients facing key transitions.

Robert Koenig, CEO of Woodbridge International, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, "For our team, joining forces with Mariner opens up incredible avenues for growth. We now have a clear path to potentially double our business within the next few years." Koenig also highlighted the opportunity to capture the anticipated wave of baby boomer business exits, suggesting a robust market for M&A services in the near future.

The integration of Woodbridge's operations into Mariner's structure is expected to be completed by the end of the year. During this transition period, Woodbridge International will maintain its current offices and continue to operate under its established brand, ensuring continuity for clients and employees.

This acquisition significantly enhances Mariner's service offerings at a critical juncture in the financial advisory industry. By combining Woodbridge's sell-side M&A expertise with its existing wealth management services, Mariner is well-positioned to provide comprehensive support to business owners throughout the lifecycle of their enterprises, from growth strategies to exit planning.

For more information about Mariner and its expanded services, interested parties can visit Mariner.com. The firm, founded in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, has grown substantially and now advises on over $245 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024, underscoring its rapid expansion and increasing influence in the wealth advisory sector.