Nationwide RIA EP Wealth Advisors Builds on California Presence with Acquisition of Central Coasts’ Wacker Wealth Partners

Alignment on what matters most – the client – makes partnership a natural fit to enable superior service and growth

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EP Wealth Advisors, a leading independent registered investment adviser (“RIA”) with an expanding national presence and client base, has acquired Wacker Wealth Partners, LLC (“Wacker”). The partnership with the San Luis Obispo, California-based firm expands EP’s presence in California to the state’s Central Coast and adds nearly $1.2B in assets under management.

Like EP, Wacker was founded to provide clients with a trusted fiduciary who helps them achieve long-term financial goals by establishing deep relationships built on an understanding of what is most important. The firm, which serves the growing San Luis Obispo and Central Coast region in a wide array of industries, has been an integral member of the community for more than 35 years. The added depth and breadth of services available as part of EP were key to making the decision to partner with a nationwide firm.

“The Wacker team places client service above all other goals, which is just one of the many attributes we share,” said Ryan Parker, CEO of EP Wealth Advisors. “You can see their commitment in many ways, including their extensive involvement in community organizations throughout the Central Coast. Expanding our presence in this important market was a factor in partnering, but it is the way Wacker shows up for their clients, team members and others that sets them apart.”

Wacker CEO and Wealth Advisor Ryan Caldwell will become EP’s Regional Director for Central California, while President and COO Bryan Krill will become Associate Regional Director. In all, 22 members of the Wacker team will join EP Wealth.

“We’ve experienced significant growth, which is a testament to our team and the trust we’ve built within the community,” said Caldwell. “Partnering with EP allows us to continue serving this growing area with the same focus and commitment we have for decades, while providing the support and capabilities – a large team of specialized professionals in planning, investment, technology, compliance and more - of a national RIA. EP’s business model allows us to maintain the local, boutique feel our clients have come to expect of us.”

“We look forward to tapping into EP’s expanded resources to enhance our service to current and future clients, including tax and estate planning,” adds Krill. “Having the capabilities of a firm of this size will give our advisors and staff more tools and support as we continue to grow.”

DeVoe & Company, a leading investment bank and consulting firm to RIAs, represented Wacker in the transaction.

“The alignment across vision, values, and client service between the two organizations was immediately apparent,” said David DeVoe, Founder and CEO of DeVoe & Company. “The strategic power of the combination will benefit both clients and staff.”

The Wacker partnership marks the second acquisition for EP Wealth in 2024 and its 31st since taking a minority investment from Wealth Partners Capital Group in July 2017. Financial and legal terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

About EP Wealth Advisors

EP Wealth Advisors, LLC (“EP Wealth”) is a fee-only registered investment adviser and financial planning firm with more than 30 offices in 12 states. The firm manages more than $22.3 billion in assets as of February 29, 2024. EP Wealth provides client-centric financial, tax and estate planning, and investment management services to individuals and businesses. Headquartered in Torrance, California, EP Wealth is led by Co-Founders and Managing Directors Derek Holman, CFP®, AIF®, and Brian Parker, CFP®, along with CEO Ryan Parker, and Executive Chair Patrick Goshtigian, CFA. It is backed by Berkshire Partners, a leading private investment firm in Boston. In 2024, EP Wealth celebrates its 25th anniversary serving families across the country and helping them reach their financial goals. For more information, please visit www.epwealth.com.