The Retirement Planning Group Closes $300M Michigan-based Acquisition

Posted August 28, 2025

Updated August 28, 2025, at 10:44 a.m.

The Retirement Planning Group has successfully closed an acquisition of Michigan-based First Financial Advisors, Inc.

The acquisition is valued at $300 million. First Financial is a dual wealth management and tax-planning firm that serves approximately 675 households in the country, including high-net-worth clients.

As part of the acquisition, Anthony Tidswell, Eric Lans and James Mikesell will join The Retirement Planning Group, according to a release.

Anthony Tidswell, James Mikesell and Eric Lans of First Financial. Photo courtesy of The Retirement Planning Group.

“The First Financial team has a powerful combination of established wealth management capabilities and tax-planning expertise, as well as a strong commitment to serving clients across the wealth spectrum,” CEO at TRPG, Kevin Conard, said in the release. “We welcome Anthony, Eric and James to TRPG, where their team and clients are well positioned for long-term success.”

First Financial has been the fourth acquisition from TRPG since Q1 2025. In that time, the firm has closed deals on Binghamton-based Hawkes Wealth Management, San Ramon-based Wealtheon Advisors and Seattle-based Financial Research, Inc. The three acquisitions grew the firm’s footprint into New York, California and Washington state, and brought approximately $180 million in assets, as of March 31, according to a release at the time.

Headquartered in Leawood, TRPG has over 3,100 clients and approximately $3 billion in assets under management, as of June 30. The firm is Cetera’s employee-based RIA. Cetera acquired TRPG in 2023.