Creative Planning Adds $1B With 7th Deal This Year
The largest RIA buyer of ETFs is taking advantage of the buyers’ market for RIAs.
The momentum continues for Creative Planning as the $245 billion registered investment advisory firm folds in its seventh acquisition of the year, with designs on taking advantage of the unique supply and demand imbalances.
This week’s announced acquisition of Kistler-Tiffany Advisors, a $1 billion RIA, is the latest example of Creative Planning’s aggressive growth plans even as higher interest rates have pushed some buyers away from the table.
“Things are definitely more expensive if you’re using debt,” said Peter Mallouk, chief executive of Creative Planning.
That reality, which has resulted from an 18-month tightening cycle by the Federal Reserve, represents an opportunity for Mallouk.
“Prices are coming down because it’s becoming less competitive on the buyer side,” he said.
Terms of the Kistler-Tiffany deal weren’t disclosed, but Mallouk described the size of the acquisition as “about average” for Creative Planning, which is also in the process of closing its acquisition of Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management business.
Goldman Sachs Deal
The Goldman business, which represents more than $29 billion in advisory assets, is expected to close later this month, Mallouk said.
He said the majority of the advisors will be making a transition from Goldman and will operate independently under the United Capital banner.
Creative Planning, which ranks as the largest RIA buyer of ETFs, is expected to enhance that status with the latest string of deals.
“We use ETFs because we believe in passive investing,” Mallouk said, adding that Philadelphia-based Kistler-Tiffany’s asset-allocation strategies lines up with Creative Planning's.
Kistler-Tiffany has been around for nearly 50 years and specializes in estate planning, charitable initiatives and business succession for wealthy families.
"Joining Creative Planning is a monumental step forward," said Andy Reder, managing partner at Kistler-Tiffany Advisors.
"Our shared vision of comprehensive financial planning and personalized client care finds an ideal partner in Creative Planning's innovative approach,” he added.
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