Mariner Wealth Advisors Latest Partnership Opens Door to More Acquisitions

Posted October 31, 2024

Mariner Wealth Advisors has entered into a partnership with Neuberger Berman Capital Solutions, which sees the ladder invest a significant minority in the Overland Park firm.

Mariner now has more than $245 billion in combined assets under management and advisement. With the injection of the investment, Mariner plans to advance its goal of reaching 5,000 advisors nationwide. Founded in 2006, Mariner has over 1,600 employees with over 700 being advisors.

The exact amount of the investment was not disclosed.

“Mariner is fully committed to building the fiduciary service provider of the future,” Marty Bicknell, CEO of Mariner, said in a release. “With this investment and continued partnership, we are confident in our ability to reach new heights in both client service and business expansion as we continue to build a truly holistic financial services firm rooted in the vision of positively impacting the lives of many.”

Bicknell will continue to hold majority control of Mariner’s board of directors while Neuberger Berman will receive board representation, according to the release.

Ardea Partners LP served as the exclusive financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP served as the legal advisor to Mariner. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP served as legal advisor to NB.